GIST Support WikiABOUT THE ITALIAN GIST GROUP:
The Italian Gist Group is based in Milan where I live but, most importantly, where the Italian GIST centre of excellence, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, is located.
We started October 2006, so far 91 gisters/caregivers have signed in our site and we are still growing. Our site: www.gistonline.it.
We are planning to start a web community soon. My wish is to replicate the same model as this list, where patients and their families can find support, information, care and they can share their battle, find strength and encouragement from each other against this desease. I wish you to know that there is nothing I need to invent; you all in this group are my example and I just need to continue to do what I have learned here. I feel blessed that I found you when, years ago, I needed help for my daughter and I knew nothing about Gist.
Cheers,
Anna in Italy (mother of Claudia, 23, Pediatric Gist, NED for 7 years)
REPORT ON FIRST MEETING - MARCH 1, 2008
Hi all, on Saturday March 1, I took part in the first Italian national A.I.G.(Association Italiana Gist) Meeting, in Milano. It was really a special event. About a hundred patients and caregivers attended at INT (National Institute of Tumors) in Milano. The team of doctors who treats Gist patients at INT gave a presentation and answered questions. All of us have learned more about Gist, new treatments and therapy. People came from all cities of the country had the opportunity to meet for the first time and share their history and find new strength to fight. Thanks to Anna Costato who worked so much to organize this event! Gabriella Tedone, patient from Italy
FROM ANNA: Dear Friends and Listmates,
As Gabriella wrote to you, our meeting last Saturday was a success. About 100 guests. Gist patients and caregivers were in Milan from everywhere in Italy and followed the whole day seminar with true interest. About 10 doctors (Dr. Paolo Casali’s team of oncologists and surgeons) lectured the audience, answered questions and shared our company all day.
I made the opening speech. I had printed all mails received from many of you either through this list or privately and I read them to the audience. People learned that a Gist community exists and is there to share and educate each other. They were so pleased and helped to learn of this big, caring Gist family. I wish to thank all of you!
Anna in Italy (mother of Claudia, 23, Pediatric Gist, NED for 7+ years)