• This week, the House of Representatives returned from their August recess and approved a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded through December 11, avoiding a potential government shutdown in October. The Senate had already passed the CR in early August.
• September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Too often, children are diagnosed late, limiting treatment options and leading to devastating outcomes for families. Please take action and ask Congress to support the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act (H.R. 5355). Take action here.
• Last month President Trump nominated Dr. Heidi Overton to become the next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Overton currently serves as the Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. Dr. Overton attended medical school at the University of New Mexico. She trained as a general surgery resident at Johns Hopkins. Prior to joining Trump's second administration, she was the chief policy officer at the America First Policy Institute. Dr. Overton will need to be confirmed by the Senate, but no hearing date has been set.
• The House of Representatives will return to their district for the week of Labor Day. Both the House and Senate are expected to return to Washington, D.C. the week of September 14^th.

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“We are proud and honored to welcome four talented leaders with strong business acumen and exceptional leadership skills in their given fields who have joined ALF’s Board of Directors,” said David Frank, Chair of ALF’s Board of Directors and Senior Product Manager for Equities Cash & Derivatives at Wells Fargo Securities in New York City. “I look forward to working together with our new and current members as we create growth strategies that allow ALF to continue expanding and progressing into the future.”

In 2020, Alexander Kerr decided to found Trajektory when he noticed a need for more data while working at Monumental Sports & Entertainment in the sports sponsorship reporting space. He left Monumental Sports & Entertainment and within six years, Trajektory became an industry disrupter with a premier sponsorship measurement tool used by the biggest professional teams and brands. Prior to founding Trajektory, Alex held leadership roles at Shop Your Way as Head of Growth Marketing & Business Intelligence, and at Monumental Sports & Entertainment as the Director of Business Intelligence, Strategy & Research.

Alex said, “I joined American Liver Foundation to honor my father who is living with liver disease. I’ve  completed multiple marathons, including the Boston and Chicago Marathons, to benefit the Foundation. Helping ALF scale its impact through high-level growth strategies and serving as a hands-on resource for the organization as they evaluate CRM and other technology solutions is definitely a huge goal for me.” Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Kenyon College and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, concentrating in Strategy, Decision Sciences, and Marketing. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University since 2017 and at Northwestern University since 2018, sharing his expertise in business analytics, marketing strategy, and market research.
Michael Kim, Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Investments, works in the Quantitative Research and Investments division where he manages a variety of ETFs and portfolios with a focus on large-cap growth strategies. He joined Fidelity in 2007 and has worked in the financial industry since 1997. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College in 1995 and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management in 2003. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities in 2023, Michael provided quantitative research support for Fidelity's mid- and large-cap U.S. growth funds. Earlier in his career, he held quantitative positions at MFS Investment Management, Pioneer Investments, and Putnam Investments, and served as an associate at Hudson River Group.

Michael said, “Joining ALF’s board is very personal for me as I’ve lived with chronic hepatitis B since 1991. I’ve been taking daily antiviral medication for more than 20 years. I joined ALF’s Liver Life Challenge® Boston Marathon team in 2010 and have since participated in seven additional Boston Marathons. I truly look forward to using my expertise to help ALF level up so they are capable of supporting more people living with liver disease.”

Kerry Schneider has 25 years of experience as an event, marketing, and sponsorship activation specialist working with professional sports and nonprofit organizations as well as the private sector. Currently, she serves as Director of Events at GSE Worldwide. Previously, she held leadership roles in partnership activation and event production at Net Results Marketing and in corporate partnerships at Friends of the National Zoo, where she secured and managed more than $1.5 million annually in cash and in-kind sponsorships.

Kerry earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Loyola College in Maryland, now Loyola University Maryland, in 2000. Kerry completed a junior-year study-abroad program at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. Earlier in her career, she served as Chief of Staff at Vemo Education and spent 12 years with World TeamTennis in team management, league operations, and sponsor activation. Throughout her career, she has led high-profile events, hospitality programs, and celebrity engagements, including initiatives associated with Billie Jean King. Kerry stated, “I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in 2019, so I have a personal connection to the liver community. Since then, I’ve been very passionate about my involvement with the American Liver Foundation, including participating on two of ALF’s marathon teams (New York 2021 and Berlin 2024) and in numerous Liver Life Walks. I truly look forward to applying my expertise across events and partnerships as I help ALF cultivate more corporate support.”

With over 20 years of investment industry experience, Gordon Scott brings a wealth of investment knowledge to ALF’s board. At the beginning of his career, he spent 12 years in leadership positions across consumer-packaged goods and pharmaceutical business units at Merck and Pfizer. He spent nine years at Rail-Splitter Capital Management before joining CIBC Asset Management, where he has been for 12 years. Gordon stated, “I’m honored to join ALF’s board because this appointment is deeply personal to me as both my wife and daughters live with a rare genetic liver disease. I understand firsthand how shocking a diagnosis of liver disease can be, and I just want to pay it forward and do all that I can to help my family and millions of Americans as they face the challenges of liver disease.”

Gordon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Northwestern University in 1989, and serves on the Northwestern University Leadership Circle Board, the Sunset Ridge Education Foundation Board, and the Brady Chicago Regional Leadership Council. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is an active member of the CFA Society of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

“We are thrilled to welcome these four outstanding leaders to ALF’s National Board of Directors,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Office of American Liver Foundation. “Each new board member offers a unique perspective, decades of professional and entrepreneurial experiences, and deeply personal reasons for joining the board. We are honored they have chosen to join ALF and share their extensive expertise as we continue together to support the 100 million Americans living with some form of liver disease.”

For more information about ALF, go to www.liverfoundation.org and if you have any questions or concerns regarding liver disease, please call our FREE helpline at 1.800.GO.LIVER (800.465.4837).

About the American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research, and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. Celebrating 50 years of impact, leading the next 50 years forward. For more information, please visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1.800.GO.LIVER (800-465-4837).

The post Alexander Kerr, Michael Kim, Kerry Schneider, and Gordon Scott named newest American Liver Foundation National Board Members appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• On August 10^th President Trump signed an executive order listing out new recommendations for childhood vaccinations. The order recommends limiting the number of vaccines recommended for children and splitting vaccines into tiers so that some are recommended for all children and others would be advised for children considered to be at higher risk. The executive order categorizes the hepatitis B vaccine as one recommended for high-risk children. Years of data show that the universal hepatitis B birth dose has reduced infant hepatitis B infections by 95% since its inception in 1991. Hepatitis B remains one of the leading causes of liver cancer. Vaccinating all children against hepatitis B, beginning at birth, has protected millions of children from chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. ALF strongly recommends all infants and children continue to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, regardless of risk factors.

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• This week the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Dr. Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH to become the new Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Schwartz previously served as Deputy Surgeon General during President Trump's first administration. She earned her medical degree from Brown University and her law degree from the University of Maryland. 

• Recently, Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced the bipartisan Cure Hepatitis C Act. This vital legislation expands screening and treatment access through a comprehensive test-to-treat approach, helping more Americans get diagnosed, cured, and connected to life-saving care. Take action here!

• The Senate is scheduled to begin their August recess on Friday August 7^th, while the House of Representatives has been on recess since July 23^rd.

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Meet the standout individuals from our spring events and discover what fuels them to push limits and champion the fight against liver disease through some of the world’s most iconic endurance events.

2026 NYC Half Marathon Team Captain – Lauren Ordower

Lauren ran the NYC Half Marathon with Team ALF to honor her father, whose courage was extraordinary and whose commitment to his family and ALF never wavered.

“Five years before his passing, he received a liver transplant, and throughout that journey, American Liver Foundation held a very special place in his heart. During some of the hardest moments of his life, ALF stood beside him by offering strength, hope, and unwavering support. – Lauren Ordower

2026 Five Boro Bike Tour Team Captain – Jeffrey Doerr

To celebrate his lifesaving liver transplant and to raise money for other biliary atresia patients, Jeffrey cycled 40 miles throughout NYC in the Five Boro Bike Tour.

“My opportunity to ride, and quite frankly, my ability to live every day since, was made possible by a life-saving living donor liver transplant in September 2014. Every mile I clock is a tribute to the gift I was given and a commitment to ensuring others get that same second chance that received in my journey from biliary atresia to living donor transplant recipient.” – Jeffrey Doerr

2026 Boston Marathon Runners Council - Kate Gates, Sam Holt, Sophie Long, Colleen Logan, Brian MacMahon, Russ Tanguay, Sarah Tully, and Emily Tully.

Our Runners Council members not only train and fundraise for the Boston Marathon, but they also uplift every member of Team ALF. Their dedication, encouragement, and leadership helped energize our entire 2026 Boston Marathon team from kickoff through the finish line. Thank you!

LIVEr Champion 2026 – Damian Delaney

Priest, teacher, marathoner, and non-directed living donor Damian Delaney shows what’s possible when compassion and endurance come together. After donating 60% of his liver to a stranger in 2018, he returned to distance running stronger than ever. This year, Damian ran with ALF at the Boston Marathon to raise awareness about non-directed living liver donation.

“My deepest desire now is to inspire others to consider donating part of their liver to help save the lives of those in need.” — Damian Delaney

From the classroom to the marathon course, Damian shows how one person’s choice can ripple into thousands of lives. Watch Damian’s Living Donor Testimonial Video to learn more about his journey and ALF’s Living Donor Network.

These leaders show what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and we are so grateful for their support on and off the course. Be part of Team ALF by joining the Liver Life Challenge and make a difference with every mile!

The post Spring 2026 Liver Life Challenge® Gratitude Spotlight appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• On June 1st, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule implementing a new work requirement for certain adults on Medicaid. The new rule requires participants to meet 80 hours of work per month, also referred to as Medicaid community engagement, as a condition of eligibility for healthcare coverage. Certain individuals are exempt from this requirement, including those who are pregnant or in a postpartum period, have a disability or are considered medically frail, parents and caretakers of children under 14 years of age or people with disabilities, Native Americans and Alaska Natives. ALF is working to ensure that individuals with liver disease and those waiting on a liver transplant will be deemed “medically frail” to ensure continued healthcare coverage. Please stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with your elected officials on this matter.

• Recently the House Appropriations Committee released their FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services bill. This funding bill would eliminate the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) entirely. AHRQ studies the health care system and prioritizes patient safety. AHRQ is actively working on the study championed by ALF on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the first study of its kind. ALF will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of the agency and the work they are doing on liver disease. We will keep you updated.

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• President Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH, to serve as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Schwartz, who served as President Trump's Deputy Surgeon General during his first term, is a Coast Guard rear admiral. She received her medical degree from Brown University, and she holds a law degree from the University of Maryland. A Senate confirmation hearing has not been scheduled at this time. ALF will continue to monitor for updates.

• Recently, President Trump nominated Dr. Nicole Saphier, MD for the role of U.S. surgeon general. Dr. Saphier is the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in New Jersey. Dr. Saphier earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and completed a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. A Senate confirmation hearing has not been scheduled at this time, but ALF will continue to monitor for updates.

• The Senate and House of Representatives are currently in recess. The Senate returns on May 11^th while the House returns on May12th.

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• The American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) Liver Life Advocacy Summit was held in Washington, D.C. on April 21-22, 2026, bringing together patients, caregivers, and families from across the country to champion ALF’s 2026 legislative priorities.
• ALF advocates held more than 80 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to prioritize liver health. Advocates called on lawmakers to support ALF’s legislative priorities including, the Living Donor Protection Act, Safe Step Act, HELP Copays Act, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act, and the Expanding Support for Living Donors Act. Advocates also discussed with policymakers the critical need for funding increases at the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention liver disease programs. You can take action for liver patients today.
• ALF hosted a Congressional dinner following ALF Advocate meetings on Capitol Hill. Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) who have both made significant contributions to liver health and advocated relentlessly to advance priorities that help those suffering from liver disease were both honored.
• Congressman Costa (D-CA) received ALF’s Congressional Champion Award Wednesday evening for his dedication to helping pediatric liver patients, recently he introduced the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act. Congressman Costa’s commitment to promoting legislation and policies that positively affect individuals living with liver cancer is essential in the fight against liver disease. ALF was honored to be joined by Congressman Costa on Wednesday evening along with Adrian and Susan Kalvinskas who presented the award to Congressman Costa, the legislation is named in honor of their son Ian, who tragically died from pediatric liver cancer in June.
• Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) was also recognized with the ALF Congressional Champion Award for his long-standing commitment to liver patients. As a lead sponsor of the Living Donor Protection Act, Congressman Bacon has been a tireless advocate for policies that reduce barriers for living organ donors and provide vital protections for transplant patients. His leadership has helped bring national attention to the needs of those navigating liver disease and transplantation. ALF was honored to be joined by Congressman Bacon for the awards ceremony and dinner
• Evelyn Rivera of New Mexico received the Liver Life Advocate Award for her long-standing advocacy and dedication to supporting liver patients. A two-time liver transplant recipient and cancer survivor, Evelyn has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about liver disease, advance legislation and research for liver patients, and support fellow patients as a peer mentor.
• Manny Martinez of California was presented with the Rising Advocate Award for his outstanding efforts as a new ALF Advocacy Ambassador. Manny hit the ground running with ALF, actively participating in multiple Congressional meetings, serving as a peer mentor, and sharing his journey with liver disease with passion and purpose. His eagerness to raise awareness and his commitment to liver patients is not only inspiring but offers hope to all liver patients.
• Ruthanne Leishman of Washington state was presented with the Transplant Innovator Award. Ruthanne has been a passionate advocate for living donor liver transplant both personally on behalf of her late sister and professionally. Ruthanne played a significant role in helping ALF create the Living Donor Network, which connects non-directed liver donors to transplant centers nationwide.

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"ALF is grateful for the continued support of Congressman Costa and Congressman Bacon as we bring heightened awareness to Capitol Hill regarding legislative policies that help liver disease patients and their families,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, American Liver Foundation (ALF) and caregiver to a transplant recipient. “It was an honor having both Congressman Costa and Congressman Bacon attend our evening dinner and celebration to recognize their critical work on behalf of liver patients everywhere.”

Congressman Costa (D-CA) currently serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and was honored with ALF’s prestigious Congressional Champion Award forhis dedication to helping children by introducing the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act. This legislation directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study efforts to improve early detection and treatment of pediatric liver tumors, trends in pediatric liver-transplant wait-list mortality, and the cost effectiveness of adding simple tools. It also establishes a national education initiative to provide families with plain language information on early warning signs as well as options and safety of living liver donation. Adrian and Susan Kalvinskas, parents of the late Ian Kalvinskas, presented the award to Congressman Costa who gave an emotional and heartfelt speech. Learn more about Ian’s story in this video and join us in supporting this important legislation at https://alf.social/livercanceract.

Congressman Bacon (R-NE) currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Armed Services Committee as Chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation subcommittee and was also honored with ALF’s prestigious Congressional Champion Award for his long-standing commitment to advancing living donor transplantation and protecting liver donors through the reintroduction of the Living Donor Protection Act. This legislation ensures living donors do not face discrimination from insurance companies. The bill also specifies that recovery from organ-donation surgery constitutes a serious health condition that entitles eligible employees to job-protected medical leave. Congressman Bacon shared a heartfelt tribute to those in his life who have been given a second chance at life thanks to living donation.

During the Liver Life Advocacy Summit, ALF also recognized Ruthanne Leishman with the Transplant Innovator Award for her tireless work to help ALF establish our Living Donor Network. Additionally, two ALF advocates – Evelyn Rivera and Manny Martinez – were acknowledged for their outstanding commitment to advancing liver health.

The Liver Life Advocate Award was presented to New Mexico resident and ALF advocate Evelyn Rivera for her unwavering commitment to advancing liver health. As a dedicated participant of ALF’s Lend Your Voice campaign, Evelyn has driven meaningful change at both the federal and state levels championing patient access in New Mexico and beyond. She has demonstrated extraordinary resilience as a liver cancer survivor who has undergone two liver transplants – first in 2011 and again in 2015. Earlier this year, she served as the featured speaker at ALF’s Liver Cancer Briefing in Washington, D.C. where she brought the patient voice directly to policymakers. She’s a compassionate peer mentor and devoted leader always willing to use her voice to advocate on behalf of liver patients.

            Liver Life Advocate and California resident Manny Martinez was presented with ALF’s Rising Advocate Award for his willingness to share his personal story and his hard work as an ALF Lend Your Voice participant who sent over 30 letters to Congress on behalf of liver patients. Manny is passionate about reaching out to the Hispanic community to raise awareness about metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and he encourages everyone to get screened. He leads by example and is always willing to step in and lend a hand with genuine commitment to others.

Washington state resident Ruthanne Leishman has been a passionate advocate for living donor liver transplant for decades both personally on behalf of her late sister and professionally. She played an instrumental role in helping ALF create the first-ever Living Donor Network which connects individuals who wish to donate part of their liver with transplant centers nationwide to help children and adults in need. ALF is proud to recognize her with the Transplant Innovator Award.

During the Liver Life Advocacy Summit, advocates met with their elected officials on Capitol Hill and urged Congress to implement ALF’s legislative priorities:

• Support Living Donors: Advance the Living Donor Protection Act and Expand Support for Living Organ Donors Act to protect donors and reduce financial barriers
• Ensure Patient Access: Pass the Safe Step Act, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and HELP Copays Act to improve access and affordability
• Pediatric Screening: Advance the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act for earlier diagnosis
• Center for Disease Control Efforts: Strengthen liver disease surveillance and prevention

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ruthanne, Manny and Evelyn for their incredible work on behalf of liver patients and their families. And I’m so proud of all of our outstanding Liver Life Advocates who joined us for our advocacy summit to share their personal liver disease journey and make a difference in the lives of those living with liver disease,” added Ms. Stiehl.

Take action for liver disease by becoming a Liver Life Advocate. Learn more at liverfoundation.org/advocacy.

About the American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research, and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. Celebrating 50 years of impact, leading the next 50 years forward. For more information, please visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1.800.GO.LIVER (800-465-4837).

Last updated on August 21st, 2026 at 09:26 am

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As the Boston Athletic Association’s first official charity team, ALF has a long history in Boston. Since 1989, the American Liver Foundation Marathon Team has made a dramatic impact on the foundation’s mission to improve liver health.

Members of Team ALF were all motivated to participate in the Boston Marathon due to very personal connections to liver disease. Each participant has committed to fundraising efforts that will directly support ALF’s mission to improve the lives of those living with some form of liver disease.

ALF’s 2026 National LIVEr Champion Damian Delaney will be running in the Boston Marathon to raise awareness about the importance of living liver donation. Priest, teacher, marathoner, and non‑directed living donor, Damian Delaney shows what’s possible when compassion and endurance come together. Damian Delaney stated, “It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re giving another person the gift of health, which is priceless. My deepest desire now is to inspire others to consider donating part of their liver to help save the lives of those in need.” Watch Damian’s inspiring video and learn more about becoming a non-directed living donor.

Additional Team ALF Members include:

• Gabrielle Barnes – Gabrielle runs for her stepdad, Andrew, who was diagnosed with stage 4 alcohol-associated liver disease and received a lifesaving transplant in 2024.
• Elizabeth Guertin – Participates in the marathon because she was born with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia and was diagnosed at eight weeks old. Currently, she on the inactive transplant list.
• Fred & Kristin Kostecki—They run in honor of their daughter Abigail, who was diagnosed with a rare liver disease at the age of 4. Fred also serves on ALF’s board of directors.
• Sophie Long-- Sophie runs for Caitlin, a fellow runner and mom who urgently needed a liver transplant and bravely turned to Facebook for help. A stranger at the time, Sophie felt compelled to answer the call and donated part of her liver in February 2021. 
• Amanda McMahon – Runs in honor of her cousin who was diagnosed with biliary atresia and passed away due to complications of the liver.
• Sarah, Emily and Keith Tully – Sisters Sarah and Emily run with their father, Keith, a PSC patient and liver transplant recipient.
• Leanna Shea – Runs to honor her father who had two lifesaving transplants. He passed away from liver cancer 34 years post-transplant.

”We’re so grateful to all of our runners who are dedicated advocates raising awareness about liver disease through their participation in the Boston Marathon,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer, American Liver Foundation. “Each year our runners illustrate their commitment to our cause and are perfect examples of the endurance and strength needed to participant in this marathon.”

Team ALF members receive dedicated training support, fundraising guidance, and the opportunity to be part of a nationwide movement fighting liver disease. The funds raised will help ALF sustain vital programs such as Think Liver Think Life, a national public health campaign to educate Americans on their risk for liver disease, ALF’s Living Donor Network, the first-ever database for non-directed living donors, Bili the Brave, an initiative to help children and families affected by biliary atresia (BA), Caring Connections, an ALF peer to peer support program, and ALF Advocacy efforts in Washington, DC that help increase federal funding for policies that improve the lives of those living with liver disease.

Learn more about ALF’s 2026 full Boston Marathon team and the foundation’s endurance program, Liver Life Challenge. Cheer on Team ALF along the marathon route and consider donating to help runners reach their fundraising goals in support their 26.2 mile run at: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/alfboston2026.

For more information about liver disease, please visit www.liverfoundation.org.

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"ALF has a passionate community of Liver Life Advocates dedicated to making a difference for those living with liver disease," said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer of American Liver Foundation. "Through our Liver Life Advocacy Summit, we aim to amplify the voices of patients and work with legislators to advance meaningful policies to improve patient outcomes and save lives."

ALF’s Liver Life Advocates will urge Congress to do the following:

• Support Living Donors: Advance the Living Donor Protection Act and the Expanding Support for Living Organ Donors Act to protect donors and reduce financial barriers
• Ensure Patient Access: Pass the Safe Step Act, Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and HELP Copays Act to improve access and affordability
• Pediatric Screening: Advance the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act for earlier diagnosis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Efforts: Conduct a formal Public Health Liver Disease Action Plan for the prevention and control of liver disease and dedicate funding specifically for the education, awareness, surveillance, and screening of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

On April 21^st, advocates will participate in advocacy training and education, followed by a Welcome Dinner which includes keynote speaker, Udeme Ekong, MD, MPH, FAASLD, Medstar Health/Georgetown University and ALF Board Member. On April 22^nd, ALF’s Liver Life Advocates will head to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and urge them to support ALF’s legislative priorities. ALF will host a Congressional dinner that evening to honor Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) who have both made extraordinary contributions to liver health and advocated relentlessly to advance priorities that help those suffering from liver disease. Awards will also be presented to two outstanding advocates for their volunteer work in advancing liver health.

Take action for liver disease by becoming a Liver Life Advocate. Learn more: liverfoundation.org/advocacy.

About the American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research, and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. Celebrating 50 years of impact, leading the next 50 years forward. For more information, please visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1.800.GO.LIVER (800-465-4837).

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Rayyan and Aaliyan are both undergraduate students at UT Dallas and researchers at UT Southwestern, united by a shared passion for pursuing careers in medicine. This commitment is rooted not only in their academic interests but also in a personal connection to liver disease. The brothers have a close relative who was diagnosed with liver cancer, an experience that gave them firsthand insight into how devastating and silent liver disease can be for patients and their families. “That experience shaped our perspective and gave us a shared sense of purpose,” said Rayyan. “Working together has strengthened our bond and driven us to raise awareness, support those impacted, and contribute to better outcomes through research and advocacy. It’s inspiring to stand beside someone who understands this journey so closely, and we’re grateful to be part of a community committed to improving liver health and making a lasting difference.”

Thank you, Rayyan and Aaliyan, for standing with us in the fight against liver disease and joining us at the Liver Life Advocacy Summit™ in Washington, D.C., April 21-23. We truly admire your passion and dedication to expanding and strengthening liver disease prevention efforts. Together, we can work towards our vision of a world without liver disease. Visit liverfoundation.org to learn more about liver disease, ways to get involved, and how to become a Liver Life Advocate. 

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