Category Archives: GIST

2022 GCRF Conference and Luncheon

Posted on by

Every year, we look forward to the GIST Cancer Research Fund Conference and Luncheon at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute, not only to share insight about the latest treatments with patients and their families, but to reconnect with each other. In addition to working toward finding a cure for GIST, it’s so important to all of us in the Heinrich Lab to foster a community of collaboration and education for everyone who cares about GIST. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the GCRF for another very generous donation this year to be used in our efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease. Together, we can overcome this!

For those of you who were unable to join us, click HERE to view the recorded presentations.

2022 GIST Cancer Fundraising Walks

Posted on by

The GIST Cancer Research Fund is a GIST patient-run non-profit organization that has generously supported the GIST cancer research performed in the Heinrich Lab for over two decades, in addition to supporting several other GIST research programs around the country. Without their support, the immense progress that has been made in improving GIST patient care would not have been possible. Every year, Dr. Heinrich attends fundraising walks to support the GCRF and their efforts to find a cure. We’re so honored to take part in these events and to continue working for a better future for GIST patients.

Recap of the Heinrich Lab’s 2020 GCRF Virtual Fundraiser Walk

Posted on by

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Heinrich Lab’s 2020 GCRF Virtual Fundraiser Walk in Portland, Oregon. Although we could not reunite in person to walk with many patients, families, and friends, a few of us were able to gather to show our support for GIST research.  We especially want to express our deep appreciation to the GCRF community for their generous donation of $75,000 this year. With your amazing fundraising efforts, we are able to continue to work hard to find a cure for this devastating disease. Check out the photos and videos of our walk with Dr. Michael Heinrich!

Join us for the GIST Cancer Research Fund (GCRF) 2020 Virtual Fundraiser Walk!

Posted on by

Join the GIST Cancer Research Fund (GCRF) for a virtual fundraiser walk

Oct 17-18th, 2020


The GCRF is a GIST patient-run non-profit (501c3) that has supported the GIST basic research being performed in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Heinrich here at OHSU, as well as numerous other GIST research programs around the US, for nearly two decades. The funds donated to research from the GCRF fund research for improving the care of GIST patients. Without the support of the GCRF, the immense progress that has been made in improving GIST patient care at OHSU would not have been possible. Please invite family and friends to participate in this virtual walk. Choose you own date and distance for the walk and recruit sponsors.

Donations can be made by credit card at gistinfo.org or checks payable to GCRF can be sent to:
Liz Chew
1630 Coraltree Place
San Jose, CA 95131

2019 GDOL Portland

Posted on by

On Saturday, June 22nd, The Life Raft Group hosted its annual GIST Day of Learning event at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Attendees gathered to learn about the latest GIST research and get support. Some participated in the GIST Do It Walk across the Tillikum Crossing bridge over the Willamette River. Speakers presented new information on GIST treatments, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and SDH-deficient GIST. After a question and answer session, everyone gathered on the rooftop patio to mingle.

The Heinrich Lab would like to thank the Life Raft Group and all of the organizers, speakers, patients, and participants for joining us at this special event. It’s always a joy to see familiar faces and connect over our common goal to find a cure for GIST.

Thank you, GIST Cancer Research Fund!

Posted on by

Each year, we look forward to the annual GIST Cancer Research Fund Conference and Luncheon at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute, not only to share insight about the latest treatments with patients and their families, but to reconnect with each other. In addition to working toward finding a cure for GIST, it’s so important to all of us in the Heinrich Lab to foster a community of collaboration and education for researchers, physicians, patients, and families. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the GCRF for another very generous donation to our efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Mrs. Tania Stutman blows out her 70th birthday candles with Dr. Brian Druker.

This year’s conference was highlighted by the special presentation of a cupcake from Dr. Brian Druker to Tania Stutman, in celebration of her 70th birthday. Mrs. Stutman was one of the first GIST patients to take Gleevec nearly 20 years ago, which Dr. Druker developed. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to honor this amazing woman and we want to thank her for everything she’s done for other GIST patients.

Please be sure to watch our special Lab Tour video from last year and
see below for links to the speakers’ presentations:

2019 Vancouver GIST Day of Learning

Posted on by

On Saturday, April 27th, Dr. Heinrich participated in the Vancouver GIST Day of Learning, sponsored by the GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada.  He spoke about the “Development of the Next Generation of GIST Treatments” to GIST patients, family, caregivers and healthcare professionals. These events provide an essential educational and support resource for people who have GIST.