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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American Liver Foundation (ALF) is excited to once again team up with James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross of Christopher’s for FLAVORS, a national culinary event, taking place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri, in Phoenix, Arizona.

FLAVORS is a unique dining experience where guests are treated to a multi-course dinner prepared tableside by some of Arizona’s most esteemed chefs. Founded in 1991 by culinary expert Chef Christopher Gross, this event has grown into a national phenomenon. The evening brings together culinary masters to support ALF's mission of promoting education, advocacy, support services, resources, and research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver diseases.

"FLAVORS is an evening that really brings people together, so I’m always excited to share this wonderful event with world-renowned chefs who are committed to serving our community and supporting the noble cause of helping 100 million Americans living with liver disease,” said Chef Christopher Gross. “I cherish the camaraderie among fellow chefs as well as connecting with guests through this intimate, personalized experience we provide at each table.”

             Here’s the 2026 stellar lineup featuring the following local culinary talents:

• Chef Matt Carter – Owner/Chef of The Mission ~ Fat Ox ~ Zinc Bistro
• Chef Kemar Durfield – Executive Chef of the Arizona Biltmore
• Chef Sara Garrant – Executive Chef of Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak
• Chef Christopher Gross (Culinary Chair and FLAVORS Founder)– Chef/Director of Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
• Chef Gregory James – Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
• Chef Russell LaCasce - Executive Chef of Hotel Valley Ho
• Chef Blake Luecke – Executive Chef of Uchi Scottsdale
• Chef James Porter – Owner/Director of TERRA Farm + Manor
• Chef Dan Perry – Chef de Cuisine of Pasea Hotel & Spa and Denu Hotel and Spa

“Each year we’re so delighted to host FLAVORS with our founder, Chef Christopher,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer of American Liver Foundation. “We are so appreciative of all the chefs included this year as they give of their time and talents to make this unique fine dining experience a night to remember while also supporting millions of Americans living with some form of liver disease. The funds raised through national events like FLAVORS help us to fund cutting edge research, educate communities, and create critical initiatives and programs that support those affected by liver disease.”

The evening will commence with a cocktail reception from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an exquisite five-course fine dining experience at the Arizona Biltmore where each chef will craft a personalized menu for their table, offering guests an intimate and interactive culinary journey.

Learn more about FLAVORS, a national culinary event, by visiting alfflavors.org. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Stenger at mstenger@liverfoundation.org.

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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April is officially recognized as National Donate Life Month, a time when American Liver Foundation (ALF) joins the nation in honoring those willing to give the gift of life through organ donation. With nearly 9,000 people in America waiting for a liver transplant, the need for living donors is tremendous. ALF’s Living Donor Network was created to address this critical need and was launched in 2025, making it the first-ever non-directed liver donor database available to individuals willing to donate part of their liver with transplant centers nationwide. ALF continually builds awareness regarding the ongoing need for lifesaving liver transplants because living donor liver transplants offer a solution for those in need.

“Although we celebrate National Donate Life Month every year, ALF works hard each and every day to put a spotlight on the need for liver organ donation and the importance of lifesaving living donor liver transplants; we’re proud to be part of the solution,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver for a transplant recipient. “ALF’s Living Donor Network, ongoing educational webinars, the resource center, and numerous support groups ensure that liver patients, their families and those who care for them have the information and encouragement needed throughout their liver transplant journey.”

ALF’s Living Donor Network can help increase the number of living donor liver transplants for U.S. adults and children as well as eliminate the pediatric liver candidate waitlist. The Network is voluntary and open to anyone who would like to become a non-directed liver donor. A non-directed liver donor, formerly called altruistic donors, are individuals willing to give a portion of their liver to someone in need that they do not know. Those interested must be 18 years of age or older and reside in the U.S. Learn more and sign up at ALF Living Donor Network.

During the month of April and throughout the year, patients, caregivers and families can participate in the following educational opportunities and support groups:

• Sharing the Journey, an ALF support network for Caregivers takes place on Thursday, April 2 from 6:30 to 8 pm. ET. Caregivers have many responsibilities that can lead to feelings of stress, sadness, isolation, and fatigue. This program provides the resources and support needed so caregivers can cope with the challenges of caregiving. All sessions are facilitated by a licensed social worker. You must be 18 or older to participate in this FREE support network that meets via Zoom on the first Thursday of each month.
• Sharing the Journey, an ALF support network for Patients takes place on Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 2:30 pm. ET. ALF offers those who have been diagnosed with liver disease as well as those awaiting a liver transplant with a support network to share their unique journey. Having a connection with others going through exactly what you’re experiencing can reduce your feelings of isolation and help you find ways to cope. All sessions are facilitated by a licensed social worker. You must be 18 or older to participate in this FREE support network that meets via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month.
• The 2026 ReBirthday Celebration is on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 am ET and will honor liver transplant recipients as they celebrate the gift of life and renewed health during National Donate Life Month. Renowned hepatologist Dr. Sudha Kodali of Houston Methodist will be the keynote speaker sharing her insights and encouragement to transplant recipients, living donors, caregivers, individuals waiting for a transplant and the families and friends who support them. This celebration will be held via Zoom. To learn more and register, go to: liverfoundation.org/rebirthday. 
• Sharing the Journey, an ALF support network for Liver Transplant Recipients takes place on Thursday, April 16 from 1 to 2:30 pm. ET. This group meets to allow transplant recipients an opportunity to connect with those who share their unique experiences with organ donation. They get a chance to share their thoughts and concerns while bonding with others on the same journey. Please note that there is no medical advice or counseling during any of these sessions, but each session will be facilitated by a licensed social worker. You must be 18 or older to participate in this FREE support network that meets via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month.
• ALF also offers a Living Donor Liver Transplant Information Center that provides free resources for those seeking a living donor as well as those who are considering becoming organ donors. The Center comes with a complete toolkit developed for people who’ve been evaluated and approved as a liver transplant candidate, been placed on the national transplant waiting list, and have decided to pursue the option of finding a living donor. Living donor liver transplant can be a lifesaving alternative to waiting on the transplant list. It can save you valuable time, reduce the risk of your liver condition getting worse, and result in improved long-term outcomes. The toolkit includes helpful tips to find a transplant center, educational materials, informative videos, and everything you’ll need to undertake the process of finding a living donor.

ALF invites everyone to participate in National Donate Life Month by attending events, sharing stories, and considering registering as an organ donor. By coming together, we can save lives, honor the legacy of organ donors, and offer hope to those waiting for a transplant.

For more information about ALF, go to www.liverfoundation.org and for more details regarding organ donation, go to www.liverfoundation.org/livingdonor.  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).

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“I’m proud to have had the privilege to lead ALF through a period of unprecedented growth where we funded an historic $1.1M in support of cutting-edge research, formed a great partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) aimed at increasing awareness of liver health through a dedicated Veterans Information Center on the ALF website, and created ALF’s Living Donor Network, the first national database for non-directed donors who wish to donate a part of their liver to transplant centers nationwide,” said Dr. Thomas.  “During my term of volunteer service, I recruited many leaders from the liver community to join ALF’s Board of Directors. We are so grateful for David’s leadership and vision as he takes the helm of ALF to lead us through these coming years offering his dedication, passion, and vision for millions of Americans living with liver disease.”  

David first became involved with ALF in 2014 after the loss of his beloved mother, Geraldine, at the age of 62, who had a brief but devastating six-week battle with late-stage metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). MASH is considered a silent killer because some people have no symptoms until the late stages similar to David’s mother; this disease took David’s entire family by surprise. David found a way to turn his immeasurable grief into actionable steps to raise awareness regarding liver disease and MASH by volunteering with ALF and helping to launch the Greater New York Associate Board of Young Professionals in 2017. He also founded NASH AWARE, a global blog dedicated to educating the public about Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Today, his blog reaches readers in dozens of countries each month. He is also a frequent speaker at NASH conferences, International NASH Day events and is featured regularly in ALF’s educational content. In 2022, he officially joined ALF’s National Board of Directors.

            “I’m deeply honored to be elected as the new board chair for an organization that is the leading voice in the fight against liver disease,” said David Frank. “ALF has spent 50 years funding vital research, educating patients and providers, fundraising through community and national events, and leading advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill – but with over 100 million Americans living with liver disease, we must move faster and reach further. In honor of my mother, I’m proud to help lead ALF into its next 50 years and expand our impact in tackling this urgent public health crisis.”

ALF has continued to thrive for the last five years under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Stiehl. In addition to electing David Frank as its new board chair, the following ALF Foundation Officers were also elected: Connie Deneweth, CPA (treasurer) and Anne Doyen, Esq. (Secretary).  

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. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

The post American Liver Foundation Elects David Frank as New Board Chair  appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• Earlier this year, proposed changes to the childhood immunization schedule raised concerns about hepatitis B vaccination guidance. This week, a federal judge paused those changes, maintaining current recommendations while the case proceeds. For the liver community, this is especially important. The hepatitis B vaccine is a critical tool in preventing chronic liver disease and liver cancer, particularly when given at birth or in early childhood. Protecting hepatitis B vaccination remains essential to reducing the long-term burden of liver disease. ALF will continue to closely monitor these developments.
• This week, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Carol Miller (R-WV), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to provide more support to living organ donors to address the rising costs of donation. The Expanding Support for Living Donors Act would help remove financial barriers that prevent many people from donating life-saving organs. The bill would reauthorize the Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program through 2037, increase the maximum reimbursement amount to $10,000 (adjusting for inflation), double the income eligibility to about $100,000 a year, and would require an annual report on the program.

The post Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

“On behalf of all Americans affected by liver disease, we sincerely thank AHRQ for conducting the first-ever NAFLD report, an important step in advancing understanding of the disease’s prevalence and its impact on nearly 100 million people nationwide,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer of the American Liver Foundation. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for his continued efforts to champion this report to help evaluate the prevalence, diagnoses, treatments, and complications associated with NAFLD. We look forward to a more comprehensive study from AHRQ later this year.”

The report findings revealed that NAFLD occurs predominantly as a secondary diagnosis and is typically not the primary reason for an inpatient stay in a hospital. Compared to stays in a hospital without any NAFLD diagnosis (28,530,300), there were 707,800 patients staying in a hospital with NAFLD and those patients had a primary diagnosis of septicemia, pancreatic disorders, obesity, biliary tract disease, and alcohol-related disorders among other diseases. Specifically, the report assessed the costs associated with individuals diagnosed with NAFLD, including the costs to patients, families and government programs. Information on the cost and impact on patients and the healthcare system if NAFLD is not addressed and progresses to NASH were also provided in the report.

“We would also like to thank our advocates who have been tirelessly encouraging Congress to support this report so that Americans living with NAFLD can get the help and information they need. This is a win for the liver community!”

For more information about ALF, go to www.liverfoundation.org. To find out if you’re at risk for NAFLD (MASLD) take ALF’s liver health quiz available in English at thinkliverthinklife.org/quiz and in Spanish at thinkliverthinklife.org/prueba. If you have any questions or concerns regarding liver disease, please call the free helpline at 1.800.GO.LIVER (800.465.4837).

*The nomenclature for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently changed to metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been renamed to metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Fatty liver disease is now called steatotic liver disease. Alcohol associated fatty liver disease is now called metabolic alcohol associated liver disease (metALD).

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. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

The post American Liver Foundation Applauds AHRQ on First-Ever Report on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

For American Liver Foundation (ALF) Liver Life Advocate®, Ashli Cook, that strength was tested early in adulthood. After moving to Nashville, TN in May 2016 to begin her first full‑time job, Ashli was navigating independence and long workdays when her body began sending warning signs. Fatigue, swelling, and unexplained weight gain slowly appeared – symptoms she initially dismissed as stress. However, by December, those changes had escalated into a medical emergency. Ashli shared, “My parents came to visit me around Christmas—they took one look at me and knew something was wrong. I had probably gained 80–100 pounds of fluid from swelling, and my skin and eyes started to turn yellow in mid‑October.”

Ashli was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with liver failure caused by autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage. Suddenly, her life revolved around scans, blood work, and learning what it meant to live with a chronic, often invisible illness. Within months, she found herself in need of a lifesaving liver transplant and was placed on the transplant waitlist—an overwhelming reality for someone so young.

AIH is unpredictable, marked by flares and periods of remission. Ashli explained, “When I was pregnant with my daughter and son, my body went into remission. But once I hit the three‑month postpartum mark, that’s when my body went into a flare.” Over the years, Ashli has learned to listen closely to her body, adjusting her pace and expectations while managing medications, frequent appointments, and the emotional weight of living with uncertainty. Even in moments when her health was fragile and everything felt overwhelming, Ashli pressed forward, motivated by her role as a mother and her determination to be present for her family.

Today, Ashli continues to navigate life with AIH while raising her children and advocating for greater awareness. She uses her voice to educate others about autoimmune liver diseases, the realities that come with waiting for a transplant, and the importance of understanding that liver disease doesn’t always “look” the way people expect. Ashli shared, “Whenever someone hears about my health condition, they are immediately shocked after I explain everything I’ve been through. I’m hoping to make a decent impact on people.” Although Ashli remains on the transplant waitlist, she hopes to keep her native liver for as long as possible.

During a month dedicated to honoring women’s contributions and raising awareness for autoimmune diseases, Ashli’s story is a reminder that strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it’s found in persistence, advocacy, and the courage to share your story, so others feel less alone. To learn more about autoimmune liver disease, visit liverfoundation.org, or join Ashli in making a positive difference by becoming an ALF advocate or sharing your story, today.

The post Resilience in the Face of Autoimmune Disease appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

•  Breaking news on living donation! On February 26^th the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA) out of committee. This is a huge step forward for living organ donation. The Living Donor Protection Act would prohibit life, disability, and long-term care insurers from discriminating against individuals solely because they have donated an organ or tissue. Additionally, this bill clarifies that the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covers recovery time for living donors — ensuring donors do not have to choose between saving a life and keeping their job. LDPA will now go to the full Senate for a vote. Thanks to your incredible efforts, we’re one step closer to transforming the future of living liver donation, offering more hope to patients and families!

The post Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

American Liver Foundation (ALF) brings its Bili the Brave™ children’s book to life through a beautiful, animated video with narration by CNN political commentator and attorney Bakari Sellers and his 7-year-old daughter Sadie Sellers, a biliary atresia (BA) patient and liver transplant recipient.

“I was so honored to join Sadie in bringing her favorite children’s book to life,” said Bakari Sellers, a CNN political commentator and an attorney at Strom Law Firm. “It’s difficult to watch your newborn infant struggling with a health condition that requires surgery and a liver transplant all before the age of one. There were a lot of sleepless nights for my wife Ellen and I as Sadie recovered from the procedures and surgeries. Learning more about the disease, utilizing the resources from ALF, and receiving the special plush Bili the Brave lion is the type of support families need during a difficult health journey. Sharing this special project with Sadie and helping bring this book to life was a wonderful experience we will both treasure forever.”  

ALF launched the Bili the Brave children’s book in 2024 for children and families affected by BA, a rare, life-threatening liver disease in infants that causes bile ducts to become inflamed and blocked, causing bile to back up and damage the liver. Symptoms typically are present 2 to 8 weeks after birth and include persistent jaundice, pale/clay-colored stool, and dark urine. It’s a challenging disease for children and their families. A child with BA will have to endure several tests, a surgical procedure and may need a lifesaving liver transplant. The Bili the Brave children’s book reminds families that no matter the obstacles, you can face them together with bravery and a smile, just like Bili the Brave.

“For children navigating liver disease, understanding what’s happening in their bodies can seem overwhelming and complicated,” said Peter Cullen, former Disney Channel executive and ALF board member, who helped create Bili. “Bili the Brave transforms complex medical experiences into an accessible, hopeful story. This animation is more than simple entertainment – it’s a tool for healing, education, and emotional support.”

“ALF is so grateful to Chuck Synder, Creative Director of Fox Entertainment, who graciously contributed his incredible animation expertise to help bring Bili the Brave to life,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, ALF. “We are forever thankful for your pro bono support in this effort to bring comfort, information and support to children and families living with BA.”

ALF seeks to help as many children as possible by working with participating children’s hospitals which distribute the Bili the Brave toolkits directly to newly diagnosed patients and families. Currently, 26 hospitals across the country are participating in and sharing the Bili the Brave toolkits which feature Bili the Brave, a plush lion with a small, embroidered scar and arm bandage to acknowledge a child’s own BA journey, as well as a medical bracelet. When a child squeezes Bili’s tummy, they will hear the sound of real children affected by BA whose collective “roars” were recorded into the sound chip. The toolkit also includes an accompanying children’s book and a nylon string bag. Additional educational materials for children and resources for adults are available at bilithebrave.org. Learn more about BA at ALF’s Pediatric information Center. Parents and families can also find support through ALF’s Life with Pediatric Liver Disease Support Group available on Facebook and through a Life with Biliary Atresia Webinar Series.

The Bili the Brave Toolkit  is distributed free of charge to collaborating children’s hospitals. If your child is not receiving care at one of these hospitals, please contact Bili@liverfoundation.org.

For more information about ALF, go to www.liverfoundation.org and to view the Bili the Brave animated video, go to Bili the Brave – American Liver Foundation.  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. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

The post ALF Launches Animated Bili the Brave™ Video bringing Children’s Book to Life appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• Breaking News on Living Donation! On February 26^th the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee will markup the Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA). During the markup Senators will have the opportunity to debate legislation and propose amendments to the bill. This is amazing news for liver patients and is made possible because of your advocacy. ALF will monitor the markup and provide updates on the progress of LDPA.
• On February 18^th, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya was namedacting CDC Director. Dr. Bhattacharya was confirmed as the Director of the NIH in March 2025. He will now support the CDC until a permanent agency director is appointed and confirmed. 
• On February 25, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Dr. Casey Means to be U.S. Surgeon General. Dr. Means graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine.

The post Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• Thanks to your efforts, the Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act was signed into law on February 3^rd! This legislation will update existing policies by the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) to ensure that living donors are reimbursed for their expenses without consideration of the recipient’s income. This new law helps remove financial barriers that prevent many people from donating, such as expanding access to federal reimbursement for travel, lost wages, and caregiving support. This is a big win for advancing living donation. Read more here.
• On February 3^rd, the House of Representatives voted to advance a funding package to end the partial government shutdown. These funding bills were previously passed in the Senate. The bills, known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, were signed by the President on February 3^rd. The legislation provides funding for the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Labor and Education through September 2026.
• On February 3^rd, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 into law, which includes Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform. PBMs function as intermediaries between group health plans and insurance providers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies. The legislation prohibits PBM compensation to be based on the price of a drug. PBMs are allowed to be paid a “bona fide service fee” that reflects fair market value. The fee must be a flat dollar amount and cannot be based on or contingent upon drug prices, discounts, rebates, fees for covered drugs, or coverage or formulary placement decisions.

The post Weekly Healthcare Policy Round-Up appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

Jessica Moran - 2025 Berlin Marathon Team Captain

Jess ran the Berlin Marathon with Team ALF to honor her father, her biggest supporter, who tragically passed away from liver cancer in 2022, just months after his diagnosis.

“He was my biggest supporter, whether I was learning to build something new or chasing another crazy race goal. Losing him was heartbreaking, but his strength, generosity, and love continue to guide me every day.” – Jessica Moran

Maddie Petre - 2025 Chicago Marathon Team Captain

After losing her fiancé, Michael, to Hepatocellular Carcinoma in July 2022, Maddie honored his strength and bravery by running the Chicago Marathon with Team ALF.

“Michael was diagnosed with liver cancer in March of 2021. At the time, he was a healthy 24-year-old, making this diagnosis a shock to us all. His diagnosis, 15-month cancer battle, and death were a reminder of how short life can be and how lucky we are to have able bodies and the ability to move and experience life. Since losing Michael, running has been a way I've felt gratitude to my body, knowing how quickly that can change.” – Maddie Petre

Victoria Dennis & Zoe Johnson - 2025 NYC Marathon Team Captains

In 2023, Zoe donated 65% of her liver to her friend, Victoria. This remarkable duo celebrated their 2-year transplant anniversary by running the NYC Marathon with Team ALF.

“On November 14, 2023, I donated 65% of my liver to Vicky, who had Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Autoimmune Hepatitis, at NY Presbyterian - Columbia/Cornell in Manhattan. We were both 30 at the time. Now, we're both thriving thanks to the truly incredible science of live liver transplantation!” – Zoe Johnson

2025 Boston Marathon Runners Council - Tina Chirgwin, Molly Dillon, Kate Gates, Sophie Long, Colleen Logan, Brian MacMahon, Ceara Souza, Emily Tully and Sarah Tully.

Our Runners Council not only trains and fundraises for the Boston Marathon, but they also uplift every single member of Team ALF. Their dedication, encouragement, and leadership helped energize our entire 2025 Boston Marathon team from kickoff through the finish line.

Cameron Dixon – 2025 LIVEr Life Champion

After courageously becoming a living liver donor for her mom in 2023, Cameron turned her strength into action by running the 129th Boston Marathon with Team ALF in 2024.

“This experience has profoundly shaped me. As an Applied Health and Fitness major with aspirations to become a personal trainer, I’ve always been passionate about health, fitness, and helping others. Donating my liver to my mom revealed the strength and courage we both possess and reinforced my commitment to leading a life dedicated to helping others.” – Cameron Dixon

Cameron continues to inspire, most recently pushing her body to the next level by completing the Pinhoti 100 Mile event. Her dedication reminds us of what the Liver Life Challenge is all about—pushing boundaries and making a difference.

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 today and make a difference with every mile.

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