Bend-area residents who believe no cancer is too rare to care came out in full force last Saturday for the 2nd Annual Oregon Walk for a Cure. The event at La Pine State Park raised funds for a rare abdominal and digestive track cancer, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), which annual affects approximately 10,0000 adults and children nationwide.
This event was just one of many planned around the United States by the GIST Cancer Research Fund. Founded in 2001, the GIST Cancer Research Fund raises funds to support continued research to expand the development and access of important life-saving therapies for GIST patients. The non-profit organization holds annual walks, galas and cycle tours as its primary fundraising events. One hundred percent of the money raised from each event goes to research.
Those involved with GIST Cancer Research Fund thank Oregon for their continued support of this cause, and we encourage you to learn more about it.
Because GIST is so uncommon, it can be difficult to detect. The cancer is found accidentally and coincidently. This rare form of cancer does not have early detection; traditional chemotherapy and radiation are not an option. At this time children with GIST do not have drugs or clinical trails so surgery is the only option. To learn more about this rare cancer and how you can help, visit www.gistinfo.org.
Tania Stutman,
GIST Cancer Research Fund chairwoman
