American Liver Foundation (ALF) hosted its MASH: Empower and Educate Summit on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel, bringing together 30 patients from across the country who live with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal of ALF’s Summit was to educate patients on their conditions and the latest in treatments and research, share information on health and wellness, and provide media training to help patients amplify their voices with media outlets throughout the country in an effort to raise national awareness of liver disease.  

“Through initiatives like the MASH: Empower and Educate Summit, ALF continues to support caregivers and patient advocates living with MASH or MASLD who all gained vital information at the Summit, enjoyed connecting with other patients and hearing their lived experiences, and learned how to raise awareness about liver disease by sharing their own stories clearly and quickly,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver of a transplant recipient. “Participates enjoyed two full days of presentations and panel discussions led by medical professionals, nutritionists, health care journalists, and media training executives who provided valuable insights and conveyed relevant information that helped the patients gain a much better understanding of their conditions, how to manage those conditions and how to share their personal stories with the press.”

Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist and Assistant Professor Christopher Kasia, MD, of the University of Chicago, presented, The Latest in Liver Care: From Research to Treatment. Transplant Hepatologist Richard Green, MD, of Northwestern Medicine, joined Dr. Kasia as both presenters shared how patients can take charge of their liver health. They presented key findings regarding liver care and liver transplantation and also shared the newly approved liver disease therapies. Andres Castillo, APRN, Nurse Practitioner in Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine presented, Living Well with MASH: Small Changes, Big Impact and shared great exercises at every level of someone’s fitness journey from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. Castillo emphasized the importance of gradually incorporating various fitness routines into your fitness journey.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jamie Simko, MS, LD, of Indiana University Health University Hospital presented, The Liver-Friendly Kitchen: Food, Flavor, and Nutrition. Her session focused on liver healthy food, how to flavor your food without using sodium, and also overall nutritional advice for patients withadvanced liver disease and those who are pre-and post-liver transplantation. Clinical Psychologist Anahli Patel, Psyd, HSPP, of Indiana University Health University Hospital presented, Destigmatizing MASH where she helped patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with chronic health conditions like MASH. Her session helped provide a better understanding of the stigma of MASH and how to challenge common misconceptions and reframe the narrative regarding MASH. A final panel presentation focused on practical strategies for managing MASH and related conditions such as diabetes and included MASH patient Dr. Shawanna James-Coles, an educator and Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Lower Merion School District. Dr. James-Cole shared her lived experience with MASH and how she manages the ups and downs of her condition while the presenters highlighted practical, sustainable strategies for managing MASH and improving overall health. 

In addition to the clinical and nutrition-focused sessions, the Summit featured a “Meet the Journalists” panel discussion that offered insights and strategies for working with various media outlets - TV, radio, podcasts, and newspapers. Three well-known Chicago journalists shared their expertise and tips for engaging with journalists - Emmy-winning NBC5 reporter Regina Waldroup, covers health and wellness initiatives, medical advancements, community human-interest stories and charitable events; Chicago Sun Times Health Reporter Elvia Malagón, the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Best Community Reporting for her coverage of diversity in Rogers Park, writes articles on social justice issues, income inequality and community-driven human interest stories; and Award-winning veteran journalist Monica Eng of Axios Chicago who has over 30 years of experience in journalism currently covers food, culture, health, politics, and metro news. She also co-hosts, Chewing, a podcast about various food and health topics.  

An informative session on Storytelling and Media Coaching was led by David Viggiano and Charisse Barnachea of Mekky Media where the power of sharing your personal story with the press was emphasized and the importance of sharing your journey to help educate and inspire the public was highlighted throughout the presentation. Participants learned clear, memorable messages and how to frame their story during an interview.

“We are so grateful to the expert panelists who led such powerful and informative presentations for our attendees,” said Ms. Stiehl. “Bringing together patients who are living with MASH or MASLD is an important part of building a stronger, more informed community. We are very grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Madrigal, and our Silver Sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim, for providing this important opportunity for patients.”

For more information about ALF, please visit www.liverfoundation.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding liver diseases, please call our FREE helpline at 1-800-Go-LIVER (800-465-4837) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

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American Liver Foundation (ALF) will commemorate five decades of service to patients and families as well as medical professionals and leading organizations at its 50th Anniversary National Legacy Gala on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Gotham Hall in New York City. ALF will celebrate its legacy through tributes to multiple awardees – UPMC (Transplant Legacy Award), AstraZeneca (Patient Impact Award), Arun Sanyal, MD, of Virginia Commonwealth University (Leadership Award), and NOVO (Leadership Innovation Award). In addition, ALF will present its Leadership Award for Public Service to Frank A. Anania, MD, of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Jay H. Hoofnagle, MD, of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Finally, ALF will award its Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award (DSAA) to Director and Professor Michael Karin, PhD, of the Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Each recipient represents a shared commitment to better the lives of liver patients and highlights ALF’s past, present and future accomplishments on behalf of the 100 million Americans living with some form of liver disease.

            “As American Liver Foundation celebrates 50 years of impact, our 2026 honorees embody the progress that is possible when clinical excellence, patient-centered partnerships, scientific leadership and bold innovation come together,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver for a transplant recipient. “All of our awardees have each helped move the liver community forward in meaningful ways, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future’s next 50 years to create a world free from liver disease.”

The 2026 Award Recipients include:

Transplant Legacy Award, UPMC

With nearly 30 years of demonstrated commitment to a shared mission of offering hope and healing to liver patients, UPMC continues to demonstrate both exemplary leadership and continued generosity to ALF initiatives. Having performed more than 20,000 adult and pediatric organ transplant procedures, UPMC continues to advance lifesaving care for patients facing the most complex liver diseases. As the nation’s leading transplant center conducting the highest number of living donor liver transplants in the United States, UMPC has given thousands of patients a second chance at life. Beyond its clinical excellence, UMPC’s longstanding support of ALF has helped drive critical patient education, advocacy, research, and support services to many liver patients. UPMC’s unwavering commitment to advancing liver health for generations to come is a legacy worth celebrating.

Patient Impact Award, AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca will be recognized for its patient-centered efforts to help transform liver disease and liver cancer care through science, partnerships, advocacy and groundbreaking advances in medicine. AstraZeneca’s therapies have addressed some of the world’s most complex health challenges while reaching millions of patients in more than 125 countries. As a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative prescription medicines across Oncology, Rare Diseases, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. A founding partner of ALF’s transformative Think Liver Think Life public health campaign, the company has played an important role in expanding screening, education, and support resources in diverse communities across the country. Its continuing research and collaboration across stomach and gut cancer care reflects a commitment to addressing unmet needs and improving patient’s experiences.

Leadership Award, Dr. Arun Sanyal

Arun J. Sanyal, MD, is one of the world’s leading experts in liver disease research and has helped shaped the global approach to understanding and treating metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Dr. Sanyal is the Professor Director, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health School of Medicine Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. Through internationally recognized research, multidisciplinary collaboration and the development of new therapeutics, Dr. Sanyal has advanced the field and created new possibilities for liver patients and their families. As a pioneering innovator and industry thought leader, he has authored more than 450 scientific publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as, The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, Nature Medicine, and Gastroenterology. His contributions to science, mentorship, and patient care have been widely recognized throughout the country.

Leadership Innovation Award, NOVO

For over a century, NOVO has specialized in discovering, developing and delivering protein and peptide-based treatments for serious chronic diseases, primarily diabetes and metabolic care, and is being honored for its innovation in metabolic health and liver disease. Building upon decades of expertise in diabetes and obesity, the organization is advancing research in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious and often silent form of liver disease for which more treatment options are needed. Its scientific programs, educational resources and commitment to translating research into real-world care reflect the forward-looking leadership the award celebrates.

            Additionally, the 2026 ALF Leadership Award for Public Service will be presented to Director of the Division of Hepatology and Nutrition at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Frank A. Anania, MD, FAASLD, who oversees the safety, efficacy, and regulatory review of clinical trials and novel drug pipelines. For the past eight years, his work has been crucial for nonviral liver diseases, including MASH and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).  Jay H. Hoofnagle, MD, FAASLD, Former Director of the Liver Diseases Research Branch of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), will also receive this award that evening. Although he retired this year, his career spans more than 50 years in liver disease research. Dr. Hoofnagle wrote the first National Institutes of Health (NIH) Action Plan for Liver Disease Research that served as guidance and structure for NIH funding.

ALF will also present Director and Professor Michael Karin, PhD., of the Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute with the foundation’s 2026 Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award at a VIP reception preceding the Gala. Dr. Karin is internationally renowned for many career achievements but proving the molecular link between chronic inflammation and cancer is his most notable discovery.        

The evening will also feature ALF’s LIVEr Champion Tommy Nolan who lived with liver disease for years while being a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1978 to 1982 and a NYPD sergeant from 1988 to 2006. During retirement, Tommy began playing with the renown NYPD Pipes and Drums and was completely unaware of a serious liver disease progressing silently. After a routine doctor’s appointment revealed elevated liver enzymes, he was diagnosis with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune liver disease with no cure that had progressed to liver cirrhosis. In 2023, he had a complex liver transplant that saved his life. Through it all, Tommy remained focused on healing and is grateful for the second chance at life he’s been given.

ALF extends its deepest gratitude to the 2026 National Legacy Gala Chair, Samantha Kellner, whose personal connection to ALF’s mission was shaped by the birth of her second child Raphael, diagnosed with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia as an infant and given a lifesaving transplant within eight weeks of his birth. Inspired by their family’s journey, Samantha and her family launched the Kellner Pediatric Liver Foundation (KPLF) and celebrated their 20^th Anniversary as dedicated advocates for children and families affected by liver disease.

Doors for the National Legacy Gala open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:50 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The evening includes a unique silent auction, a three-course plated dinner, an exciting live auction, and a memorable awards ceremony. Funds raised through the 50^th Anniversary National Legacy Gala benefit the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease through resources, education and support services and to help  advance research and our patient advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. 

Learn more about the Gala at alfgala.org and purchase sponsorships or tickets. You can also participate in ALF’s silent auction, which is available for pre-event and remote bidding; items include cruises, stays to locations around the world, fun leisure-time experiences, city winery excursions in New York and high-end gifts and accessories. Check back frequently as new items are added daily. View the free live stream and register for GiveSmart at LegacyGala26.givesmart.com.

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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“As thousands prepare to run in this single-loop course, ALF is honored to be an official charity partner for the upcoming Bank of America Chicago Marathon once again and to have a dedicated team of runners helping to raise awareness regarding liver disease as they run through the vibrant streets of Chicago,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer, American Liver Foundation.

Liver Life Challenge is ALF’s official endurance program where dedicated athletes across the country join Team ALF to use their passion and commitment to go that extra mile in honor of a loved one and on behalf of  the liver community. The Chicago Marathon is the ultimate achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners. For ALF, this marathon is not only a celebration of endurance but a powerful platform to educate, engage, and inspire as we shine a spotlight on the urgent need for liver disease prevention, research, and patient support.

Nashua, New Hampshire resident Jim O’Connell, is the 2026 ALF Team Captain who runs in honor of his late father. Jim has committed himself to doing something positive in honor of his dad, so he ran the Boston Marathon with ALF for 10 years, and this is his second year running in the Chicago Marathon. Jim said “We lost my dad to liver cancer at far too young an age and it impacted our family greatly as that loss is still felt today. He was an amazing friend to so many, and an even better Dad we still miss very much. I have met so many amazing people through ALF with similar stories to mine, but also people who have lived with liver disease, doctors and nurses who know about liver disease all too well, and even liver transplant recipients who are not only thriving - but have run alongside me! It's all just so inspiring, so continuing to raise money to benefit ALF is deeply important to me.”

Chicago resident Sydney Flakus-Witte works in research at the University of Chicago where she explores gut microbiomes and its impact on liver health. She stated: “This is the second year I’m running in the Chicago Marathon in honor of my husband who was diagnosed seven years ago with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare autoimmune liver condition, that currently has no approved therapies to slow its progression.Watching him navigate this journey is a constant reminder that we need new scientific understandings to address these underlying problems. I am running to help fund the research that will one day provide better answers for families like mine."

ALF’s 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon team is working hard to reach their fundraising goal. All funds raised will go towards ALF’s mission to support those affected by liver disease. Team ALF is made up of runners with varying levels of experience from novice to advanced, most of whom have a connection to liver disease.

Other members of ALF’s 43-member team include:  

• Kathleen Doyen: Running the Chicago Marathon for the 1^st time in honor of her mother, ALF board member, Anne Doyen, who is a liver transplant recipient because Kathleen was a match and became her mom’s living liver donor.  
• Michael Doyen: Running for the 3^rd time in the Chicago Marathon in honor of his wife and ALF board member, Anne Doyen, who is a liver transplant recipient. Their daughter, Kathleen, was her living liver donor.
• Madelyn Dulin: Running for the 1^st time in honor of her husband who was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) when he was 18. In 2021, while they were both in medical school, he received a liver transplant. Now they are both working as resident physicians where he received his transplant.
• Megan Hoffman:Running for the 1^st time in honor of her patients and their strength as well as to give back to the liver community that inspires her every day as a liver transplant social worker at The University of Chicago. She witnesses the courage it takes to face liver disease, the resilience required to undergo transplant, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life after the transplant.
• Alex Kerr, Running the Chicago Marathon for  the 1^st time to honor his father who was diagnosed with a rare liver disease. He is also a new ALF board member.
• Amanda Neal: Running for the 1^st time in honor of a child named Beckett who she donated a part of her liver to as a living liver donor. She said It was the most meaningful decision of her life and it changed how she thinks about health, generosity, and the power of people rallying together to save a life.
• Marina Silveira, MD: Running for the 1^st time to honor all of her patients living with liver disease. She is a  hepatologist with a special interest in autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases at the Yale School of Medicine.
• Alex Whiteaker: Running in memory of his father and for all the miles he can no longer put under his feet as he passed away in 2007 while waiting for a second transplant. After receiving his first transplant in 1996, Alex's dad dedicated his new life to fitness and bettering himself every day. Alex's dad went on to run the NYC Marathon twice and competed in many World Transplant Games.

Learn more about ALF’s 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon team at Home - Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026.

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 ALF’s Liver Life Challenge is Official Charity Partner of 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon appeared first on American Liver Foundation.

• Members of the House and Senate have departed Washington, D.C., for the campaign-season recess and are now back in their home states until after the election on November 3^rd.
• This week the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted to advance the nomination of Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general. Dr. Saphier served as 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 vote has not been scheduled at this time. ALF will continue to monitor for updates.
• October is National Liver Awareness Month and Liver Cancer Month, and now is the time to make liver health a national priority. More than 100 million Americans are affected by some form of liver disease. By taking action, you can send a message directly to your members of Congress urging them to support these critical policies. Take action here!

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An estimated 80 to 100 million Americans have liver disease, but many don’t know it because early symptoms can be subtle. October is National Liver Awareness Month and Liver Cancer Month and American Liver Foundation (ALF) is raising awareness and connecting people with vital resources. Take ALF’s one-minute quiz to understand your risk for liver disease, liver cancer or both. Learn more about living donor liver transplant by visiting ALF’s Living Donor Network™ website or watch our short-animated video and share it on your social channels. Try one of ALF’s recipes in our 30-day Liver Healthy Meal Plan and view 20 new recipe videos. Advocate for legislation that can improve the lives of people affected by liver disease and participate in free educational and community events held throughout the month.

“October’s observance of National Liver Awareness Month and Liver Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to remind everyone that liver health deserves year-round attention,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver for a transplant recipient.  “By increasing awareness of risk factors, encouraging timely screenings and early detection through ALF’s quick liver health quiz, sharing ALF’s 30-day Liver Healthy Meal Plan, and connecting patients and families with trusted information and support, we can all help save lives and move closer to a future free from liver disease.”

Take the Quiz!

• Through ALF’s simple liver health quiz, available in English at thinkliverthinklife.org/quiz and in Spanish at thinkliverthinklife.org/prueba anyone can find out if they’re at risk for liver disease and liver cancer. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cancer) is one of the most rapidly growing causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. with incidence rates that have more than tripled since 1980 and death rates doubled during that same time. Learn more about ALF’s thinkliverthinklife.org, a nationwide public health initiative raising awareness and screening U.S. adults for liver disease.

Try the Recipes!                                                                               

• Through ALF’s 30-day Liver Healthy Meal Plan, anyone can learn what to eat to help take care of their liver. The recipes are easy to make, simple to understand, and do not require complex ingredients. You can also watch 20 new recipe videos for additional inspiration.

Advocate with Us!

• Throughout October, we’re asking the liver community to elevate the voices of millions of Americans affected by liver disease by sending messages to Members of  Congress and asking them to advance policies that can improve their lives. ALF advocates are working to protect and support living organ donors, improve access to treatment, advance early detection of pediatric liver cancer, strengthen federal liver disease prevention and surveillance efforts, and increase investment in liver disease research. Join us and Take Action.

Join ALF Support Services, Participate in ALF Special Events and Learn more about ALF Programming!

• Join one of American Liver Foundation’s online support groups for caregivers, patients, and transplant recipients! Sharing the Journey, an ALF support network for caregivers - American Liver Foundation; Sharing the Journey, an ALF support network for patients - American Liver Foundation; orSharing the Journey, an ALF support network for liver transplant recipients. All sessions are facilitated by a licensed social worker. You must be aged 18 or older to participate. There is no fee to join.
• Join Liver Life Walk, Your Way and walk any day, anywhere, your way! Register today at liverlifewalk.org/virtualwalk.
• Learn more about ALF’s Living Donor Network™ that connects non-directed (anonymous) living liver donors with transplant centers nationwide, helping more people have access to a lifesaving liver transplant. To learn more about the Network, please watch ALF’s short-animated video.
• October 14 (virtual workshop) –  On HRS Awareness Day, watch our on-demand webinar on ALF’s social media channels, HRS-AKI Explained: What It Means for Patients, as Justin Boike, MD, from Northwestern Medicine, provides an overview of hepatorenal syndrome – acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) from a patient-centered perspective. Topics include what HRS-AKI is, what a diagnosis can mean for patients’ long-term, signs and risk factors patients should be aware of, and how to ask questions and advocate for themselves throughout their liver disease journey. This workshop is sponsored by Keenova.

• American Liver Foundation will host a two-day MASH Empower & Educate Summit on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17 aimed at empowering MASH patients and caregivers through education, storytelling, and media training. The Summit seeks to amplify patient voices and raise national awareness of liver disease. Follow ALF’s socials to see exciting updates from the event.
• Knowledge is power so empower yourself throughout your liver journey by viewing ALF’s new Patient Empowerment Resource Center filled with in-depth information on liver disease and watch this short video to learn more about maintaining optimal liver health.
• Join us on October 28th at 6:50PM ET for ALF’s50^th Anniversary National Legacy Gala held at Gotham Hall in New York City. We’ll celebratethe achievements of distinguished leaders and visionaries who have made significant contributions in the liver community. Participate in ALF’s silent auction and view the free live stream, LegacyGala26.givesmart.com. Purchase sponsorships or tickets and learn more about the Gala at alfgala.org.

ALF also offers Free Education for Healthcare Professionals!

• October 1 (virtual workshop) – Critical Care Roundtable: Advancing Multidisciplinary Care in End-Stage Liver Disease. This roundtable will bring together clinical leaders for a focused discussion on advancing multidisciplinary care for patients with End-Stage Liver Disease. Real-world challenges will be explored with opportunities to strengthen collaboration, care coordination, communication, and patient-centered decision-making across the liver disease continuum. These insights will help inform future educational initiatives and resources to support improved care for patients and families. This critical care initiative is sponsored by Keenova.
• October 6 - (virtual CME Program) - Liver Health Echo Program - Cracking the MASLD Risk Code: Detecting Early Risk Signals to Guide Timely Intervention. This noon to 1 p.m. virtual community practice equips healthcare providers with the necessary skills to treat and prevent MASLD among their patients. The program includes five one-hour sessions starting in October until February 2027. Register here.
• October 23 (virtual workshop) - Addressing Fatigue in Liver Diseases – From Unmet Needs to Action. This workshop will help develop a focused, fundable roadmap to improve understanding, assessment, and management of fatigue in liver diseases. This virtual workshop will include clinicians/researchers who are experts in liver diseases, fatigue measurement and patient-reported outcomes experts, and cross-disease fatigue. This virtual workshop is sponsored by Ipsen and ALFASIGMA.

American Liver Foundation gratefully acknowledges our Think Liver Think Life® Premier Sponsor, Astra Zeneca, for their continued leadership and support in helping us reach those most in need in underserved communities. ALF also expresses gratitude to the following additional Think Liver Think Life campaign sponsors that support our impactful educational and awareness resources which help patients, families and healthcare professionals nationwide: Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead, Ipsen, Keenova, Madrigal, Merck and My Fitness Pal.

For more information about ALF, please visit www.liverfoundation.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding liver disease, please call our FREE helpline at 1-800-GO-LIVER (800-465-4837) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Last updated on October 2nd, 2026 at 11:55 am

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• 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.

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

“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.

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

• 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.

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

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.

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

• 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.

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