On May 18, people of all ages from across the area joined the Greater New York Division of the American Liver Foundation (ALF) at Eisenhower Park for the annual Liver Life Walk. The goal of the event was to raise $95,000 to fund research, raise awareness and support programs and services for people living with liver disease, including those on Long Island. The event included activities for kids, food, a team T-shirt decorating contest, raffles and entertainment.
This year was a special celebration, as 9-year old Liver Champion Philip has just celebrated his third anniversary of having received a liver transplant from his dad. Not only did the community gather to participate as a team and make a difference for liver disease, but to sing Happy Rebirthday to him. The Liver Champions inspire teams and walkers, many of whom have been faced with liver disease in their own lives.
Founded in 1976, the American Liver Foundation is the nation’s largest patient advocacy organization for people with liver disease. ALF reaches more than 2 million individuals each year with health information, education and support services via its national office, 16 U.S. divisions and an active online presence. Recognized as a trusted voice for liver disease patients, ALF also operates a national toll-free helpline, educates patients, policymakers and the public, and provides grants to early-career researchers to help find a cure for all liver diseases. ALF is celebrating more than 40 years of turning patients into survivors.
Liver disease affects more than 30 million people in the U.S. each year, including children and adults. Many diseases of the liver have silent symptoms, sometimes leading to late diagnoses. The ALF works to promote education, advocacy, awareness and funding of research for liver disease.
For more information about upcoming Liver Life Walks visit www.liverlifewalk.org. To learn more about ALF, visit www.liverfoundation.org.
