Making Strides: The GI Cancers Alliance

Tom Stockwell explains how he found information and resources following the diagnosis of his son’s advanced fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, an ultra-rare liver cancer.

Tom Stockwell, whose son was diagnosed with advanced fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, and John Hopper, president of the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation and co-chair of the GI Cancers Alliance, remark on the importance of taking a proactive role when making treatment decisions with healthcare professionals and emphasize the value in establishing a survivorship care plan.

Reflecting back on what he learned as a caregiver for his son, Tom Stockwell discusses how he provides assistance to others as a patient navigator for the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation. Stockwell further explains why advocacy and research are so important in rare diseases.

Craig Lustig and Martha Raymond discuss the global vision of the GI Cancers Alliance and highlight the types of members who help to form its growing coalition of support provided to those affected by a gastrointestinal cancer.

John Hopper, Craig Lustig, and Martha Raymond reflect on unmet needs and gaps in the management of gastrointestinal cancers (as identified through a survey conducted by the GI Cancers Alliance), and describe the types of educational resources that will soon be available through the GI Cancers Alliance’s new resource library.

Craig Lustig and Martha Raymond remark on the impact of the GI Cancer Alliance’s partnerships with advocates and healthcare professionals that support patients with GI cancers and discuss the role of the coalition’s new advisory committee.

Sarah Bennett discusses her initial reactions, as a young mother, to receiving a rare diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Sarah Bennett and Martha Raymond reflect on the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with healthcare professionals and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.

Sarah Bennett emphasizes the value in connecting patients following a cancer diagnosis and highlights her role in developing a social media site that empowers the cholangiocarcinoma community. Bennett also provides tips to family and friends that want to provide support to a loved one diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.

Sarah Bennett and Martha Raymond highlight patients’ concerns when researching clinical trials and encourage patients to become educated on treatment options and seek second opinions.

Sarah Bennett remarks on unmet needs specific to the cholangiocarcinoma community.

Experts Heather Ambrose and Tim Wert define the pharmaceutical industry’s role in the GI cancer space and discuss strategies to address educational barriers between patients and physicians.

Experts Heather Ambrose and Tim Wert define the pharmaceutical industry’s role in the GI cancer space and discuss strategies to address educational barriers between patients and physicians.

Heather Ambrose, Martha Raymond, and Tim Wert highlight the pharmaceutical industry’s investment in conducting research and clinical trials to improve the care of patients impacted by GI cancers.

Heather Ambrose, Martha Raymond, and Tim Wert recognize unmet needs in the management of patients diagnosed with GI cancers.