A collection of poems crafted with and for individuals living with GIST, as well as their caregivers. These heartfelt pieces shed light on the unique challenges and experiences faced by those navigating life with GIST.
A COLLECTION OF POEMS AND WRITINGS FROM THE GIST COMMUNITY
For Teena
A good life raft can transform even the most
harsh, daring waves
into a sweet, lulling embrace
You need a good crew –
maybe six, maybe more
a granddaughter or two
to help with the oars
Thirteen years later, these buoys still float
There’s really nothing to it, all you need is
a little love
and some hope.
For Jess
Little moments
big joys
golden eyes
coffee in hand
A robe snuggly worn, a loving embrace
To have
To hold
Little moments
big joys
dare to be loved
to be so bold
For Michelle
My mom, the Chanel model
my mother, the saint
Windswept, but a force to be reckoned with
She is my lullaby, my voice in the night
My everything,
my full moon rising,
maternal delight
She is here, with me always
on my forearm
in my chest
My guarding angel because mother knows best
For Miriam
True North points hope
points home
Rudderless, sans compass
we can succumb to fear
We can get lost
forever in the dark
But a neighbor’s light can guide you back
Reminding you that you shine, too
Like an electric charge
purposeful
and here
unwavering
For Saeed and his mentees
Touch faith, I dare you
Let your shaking hand become a fist, or better,
let it extend to your brothers and sisters and gisters
Call out, though your voice might crack, it won’t break
Create an echo,
of pain, yes
wary of the echo chamber
Let your cry carry another and another and say
HERE WE ARE AND HERE WE STAND
FOREVER WE
TOGETHER WE
CAN. TOGETHER WE WILL.
For Terry
The Twins and The Other One
Not so far apart
Bound by beating heart
Marching together
eyes straight ahead
Stitched together forever by a strong sororal thread
GISTer
sister
sister, my love
If I am an angel, you are heaven above
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These poems, written by Elizabeth Burch-Hudson of ARS Poetica, were crafted through conversations with members of the GIST community, capturing their unique stories and experiences.
The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts. Our vision is to empower a future fueled by data, guiding our journey toward cures for rare diseases.
SFA’s mission is to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with sarcoma to increase the number of survivors. We do this by funding and advancing research, educating and providing resources for people diagnosed with sarcoma, advocating on behalf of the community, bringing together the collective sarcoma voice, and growing awareness about the disease.
