Life Raft Group Holds Biennial Life Fest Convention November 7-9

    WAYNE, NJ, November 08, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Life Raft Group will hold the 7th biennial Life Fest convention on November 7-9, 2014 at the Glenpointe Marriott in Teaneck, New Jersey. Life Fest is a unique event that provides an opportunity for patients with GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) and their caregivers to gather in a forum where they have unprecedented access to global leaders in the field of GIST research and treatment as well as the opportunity to share experiences with others from the Life Raft GIST community.

This year's convention will bring a wealth of new information about GIST research and treatment, as well as a call-to-advocacy plan for participants. Workshops, lectures and panels are balanced with holistic therapies such as yoga, Reiki, meditation and art therapy.

The weekend's activities will kick off with a gala on Friday night that will honor those who have contributed to the effort to find a cure for GIST. Honorees include: Dr. Stephen Nimer- Humanitarian of the Year, Dina Wiley- Volunteer of the Year, Dr. Anette Duensing- Jeroen Pit Science Award, Bayer Pharmaceuticals- Patient Outreach Award, Brian Behrens- Arnie Kwart Philanthropist of the Year, Jayne Bressington of PAWS-GIST- Global Award of Excellence, and Dr. Bob Maki- Clinician of the Year.

Inducted into the GIST Hall of Fame will be the Stivarga Development Team, Tom Overley, and the Life Raft Group Research Team.

A memorial service for those who have lost their lives to this rare cancer will be held on Saturday evening. Participants will then enjoy an evening in New York City, before the closing presentations on Sunday, when Life Raft Group Executive Director Norman Scherzer and Science Director, Jerry Call share their hands-on experiences helping GIST patients stay alive.

About The Life Raft Group
The Life Raft Group is a non-profit with a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer - GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) - and to help those living with it until then. Our mission is to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients' needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment. To achieve this, we focus on three key areas: Patient Support & Education, Advocacy and Research.
To learn more, visit http://www.liferaftgroup.org

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