WALK FOR A CURE
SAVE THE DATES
The GCRF Walk For A Cure
in New York and San Jose
New York • September 24, 2023
San Jose, CA • October 15, 2023
Team Turano's Annual
GCRF Fundraiser
September 22, 2023
Hanover Manor, Hanover, NJ.
Mark your calendar for these fantastic events.
Dr. Michael Heinrich, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, explains how GCRF helps in the research of GIST Cancer.
DR. JON TRENT'S IMPACT REPORT
Dr. Jon Trent, MD, PhD, and staff for GIST Cancer Research at the University of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has been exploring the use of a new medicine for GIST called Procaspase Activating Compound (PAC)-1. PAC-1 is designed to make other drugs more effective.
During the past 10 years, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Sarcoma Program has developed into the largest sarcoma center in the southeastern United States. With more than 20 dedicated, multidisciplinary, board-certified sarcoma doctors on staff, Sylvester serves approximately 900 new patients per year.
Download the pdf of Dr. Trent's Impact Report August 2022 for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Research.
Impact 2022 Sarcoma_GIST
AN INVITATION TO THE 2022 OHSU GIST EDUCATION CONFERENCE
PLEASE JOIN US
2022 GIST EDUCATION CONFERENCE AND LUNCHEON
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the GIST Cancer Research Fund cordially invite you to Oregon Health & Science University for a one-day education conference highlighting advancements in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Research.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring
Michael Heinrich, M.D.
Christopher Corless, M.D., Ph.D.
Tracy Havnaer, R.N., B.S.N.
Robertson Life Sciences Building
Lecture Hall 3A003B
2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201
Details will be sent out to all those who register.
“Thank you to Tania, Robert and everyone with the GIST Cancer Research Fund for your loyal support of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in our mission to end cancer as we know it. I am inspired and humbled by your commitment to us. Thank you again.”
Brian Druker, M.D., Director, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Dr. Anette U. Duensing, MD, GIST Cancer Researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Reports On Latest Research
Dr. Anette Duensing, GCRF's advisor, Associate Professor of Pathology and member of the Cancer Therapeutics Program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute gives an update on her latest research on GIST Cancer.
Dr. Meg von Mehren & Fox Chase Cancer Team Report
Dr. Meg von Mehren, GCRF's GIST Cancer Advisor and researcher at The Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, gives an update on how GCRF has helped their research.
Why Second Opinions Matter for Sarcoma
Not only do Fox Chase physicians have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sarcomas, but they head panels of experts tasked with writing and updating sarcoma treatment guidelines that are used both nationally and globally. They also work with other world-renowned experts to conduct clinical trials, both for early and advanced stage sarcomas.
“When we see a patient with sarcoma, we think about how to best treat them as a team,” said Margaret von Mehren, MD, Chief of the Division of Sarcoma Oncology at Fox Chase. “Our program includes specialists in sarcoma medical oncology, surgical oncology, orthopedic surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology who review tumor biopsies and imaging to determine the best possible treatment for each case.”
FDA Approval Of AYVAKIT™ (Avapritinib), The First Approved Precision Therapy For GIST

AYVAKIT™ (avapritinib) logo
The FDA granted a full approval to AYVAKIT™ (avapritinib) based on efficacy results from the Phase 1 NAVIGATOR clinical trial, as well as combined safety results from multiple clinical trials for avapritinib.
Dr. Cristina R. Antonescu and Dr. Ping Chi's GIST Research Update 2020
Watch the presentation by Dr. Cristina R. Antonescu and Dr. Ping Chi on their ongoing, joint research for GIST Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for 2020.
A Message of Hope
GCRF received a special letter from the spouse of a GIST Cancer patient giving us all hope.
GIST 2019 NY Walk For A Cure
The 2019 GCRF Walk For A Cure in New York was held on September 22, 2019 at Rockland Lake State Park. Thanks to all who attended and helped to save lives.
GIST - A Rare Orphan Cancer
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor or GIST is a rare, orphan cancer which starts in a type of tissue called the stromal or the body’s connective tissue (fat, muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, bones or cartilage). GIST is a silent cancer often spreading before the patient has symptoms. Each year, approximately 5,000 adults in the United States alone are diagnosed with GIST Cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, many doctors misdiagnose GIST as another type of GI cancer. The lifesaving treatment for GIST is delayed and the GIST Cancer destroys lives. The overall five year survival rate of people diagnosed with a malignant tumor has been estimated to be 76%.
Looking For A GIST Cancer Doctor?
GIST is a rare form of cancer that most doctors misdiagnose or are not familiar with the appropriate treatment. If you or a loved-one is diagnosed with GIST, getting in touch with a physician who specializes in GIST Cancer is of utmost importance. These doctors and researchers deal with this disease on a daily basis and can help guide you to the right treatment.
In addition to the GIST Cancer Research Team of physicians, researchers and nurses, the following link will put you in touch with domestic and international GIST Cancer specialists.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Honors The GCRF On Its Donor Wall in New York City
In 2012, The GIST Cancer Research Fund and Robert and Tania Stutman were honored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for GCRF’s generous donations given for GIST Cancer Research. Their names were etched into MSKCC’s donor wall for posterity. For almost twenty years, The GIST Cancer Research Fund has been tirelessly fighting to raise funds to eradicate this deadly disease with no staff, corporate headquarters or overhead. Since 2002, the foundation has raised more than $10 million and MSK has been the beneficiary of $1.6 million. Events including walkathons, 1,000-mile Cycling for a Cure bike rides, golf outings and galas now span the nation. (Other GCRF beneficiaries include Fox Chase, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Oregon Health Sciences University Cancer Institute, and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.) At MSK, the GCRF supports the work of Dr. Antonescu and Dr. Ping Chi.
Robert and Tania Stutman join the generous philantropists including Susan G. Komen, who donate to MSKCC. The GCRF has raised $10 million dollars for GIST Cancer Research and has given 100% of these fund to finding a cure for GIST Cancer. As Tania Stutman said, ‘I’m not only battling for my life, I’m fighting for the lives of others.’”
IN MEMORY OF
Cameron Gow
January 14, 1957 - February 19, 2018
HONOR MY LIFE BY LIVING YOURS!
Special Thanks To Our 2019 GCRF San Jose Walk For A Cure Sponsor
Elisabeth Andreason, Executive Director of The Andreason Group at Morgan Stanley, a financial advising and investing group located in Walnut Creek, California, generously donated $5,000 to the 2019 San Jose Walk For A Cure. 100% of this donation will go directly to the GIST Cancer Doctors and Research labs to keep hope alive to find a cure. Thank you very much Elizabeth and Morgan Stanley!
Save Lives And Show Your Feelings About GIST Cancer
GCRF has GIST Cancer Bracelets, Ribbons and T-Shirts available for sale. By wearing and displaying them, you are spreading a message and awareness to find a cure for this rare cancer.
Donate today to spread awareness and find a cure! To Purchase, Click On The Button Below.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Gist Cancer Research Fund every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. Please support GCRF when you shop on Amazon! Click on the amazon smile logo for more information.
A Message From Dr. Jonathan Fletcher
Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, GCRF's GIST Cancer Advisor and researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and members of the Fletcher Lab give a message of hope as well as updates on their GIST Cancer research. Thank you Dr. Fletcher and Lab members for all that you have contributed to the fight for a cure of GIST Cancer.
Thank You Dr. Mike Heinrich and the Heinrich Lab For Walking For A Cure In Portland, Oregon
The GCRF is a GIST patient-run non-profit (501(c)(3)) 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 United States, 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.
*Dr. Mike Heindrick has pledged to match all donations made from our participants.*
Dr. Michael Heindrick's GIST Research Update 2023
Dr. Michael C. Heinrich, one of GCRF's GIST Cancer Advisors and researcher at The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon, gives an update of his work and progress of finding a cure for GIST.
Walt "Clyde" Frazier, GCRF's Distinguished Spokesperson
Walt Frazier is a two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks, a seven-time NBA All-Star and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. His retired No. 10 Knicks jersey is hanging in the rafters in Madison Square Garden. The NBA veteran is also known to be the GCRF's very own spokesperson. Walt has attended the GCRF New York Walk For A Cure for 18 years. His loyalty and commitment to GIST Cancer Research is relentless and he always finds the time to "be there" for the GIST Cancer Research Fund in good times and bad. Thank you Walt for all you have done and know that we hold a special place for you in our hearts!

Welcome to the Heinrich-Corless Research Lab
A look behind the scenes in the lab of Dr. Michael Heinrich and Dr. Chris Corless at the Oregon Health & Science Center/Knight Cancer Institute. Here is an overview of the current research being performed to find a cure for GIST Cancer.
Tania’s Story and the Formation of the GIST Cancer Research Fund
“I started with just a little website,” Tania says. “I went on local radio. I went to our local paper and told them my story.” In 2001, she held her first walkathon and raised $23,000. In 2018, the foundation has raised more than $10 million dollars and every penny has gone to GIST Cancer Research.
GCRF Proclamation
United States Senator, Charles “Chuck” Schumer graciously acknowledged the GIST Cancer Research Fund with a proclamation for the importance of the numerous contributions that the GIST Cancer Research Fund and the Walk For A Cure has made to find a cure for GIST Cancer.
