American Liver Foundation Honors Congressional Champions at Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.

American Liver Foundation Honors Congressional Champions

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) recently held its impactful Liver Life Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 29-30. This significant event united patients, caregivers, and families from across the nation who are advocating for legislative measures aimed at improving liver health for the more than 100 million Americans affected by liver disease.

A key highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Congressional Champion Awards to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY). Their unwavering dedication and support for patients suffering from liver diseases have made them exceptional advocates in the fight against these often-overlooked conditions.

CEO of the American Liver Foundation, Lorraine Stiehl, expressed profound gratitude to both legislators for their commitment. She stated, "Liver disease has long been overlooked, but thanks to Congressional Champions like Senator Cassidy and Congressman Nadler, liver patients are finally getting the attention they deserve."

Senator Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, received the award particularly for his role as a gastroenterologist and his extensive efforts in promoting legislation beneficial to those affected by liver diseases, specifically focusing on fatty liver disease. His insights and advocacy work greatly impact the health policies regarding liver wellness.

On the other hand, Congressman Nadler was recognized for his consistent push towards advancing living donor transplantation and safeguarding the rights of living donors through legislative initiatives like the Living Donor Protection Act, which was recently reintroduced in Congress. His relentless pursuit for better healthcare options for individuals suffering from liver ailments has earned him this honor.

Apart from honoring these congressional leaders, the summit celebrated two extraordinary advocates for liver health: Don Melillo and Tammy Sperling.

Don Melillo, hailing from West Chester, Ohio, was awarded the Liver Life Advocate Award for his efforts in debunking the stigma surrounding liver diseases and promoting research as a member of ALF's public policy committee. Having survived liver cancer and undergone a life-saving transplant, Don has been quite vocal about his journey and involvement in the liver community. His statement on receiving the award reflected his commitment, stating, "To be recognized by the American Liver Foundation with this award was shocking—a true blessing."

Meanwhile, Tammy Sperling from Tampa, Florida, was presented with the Rising Advocate Award. Her diligence as a new Advocacy Ambassador, participating in Congressional meetings, and serving as a peer mentor for others with liver conditions highlights her dedication. Tammy’s battle with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) instilled in her a drive to support and mentor others on their liver health journeys.

"The Liver Life Advocacy Summit was life-changing for me, and I am so honored to receive the Rising Advocate Award for the work I do to help others affected by liver disease," Tammy shared, echoing her appreciation for the supportive community at ALF.

During the summit, advocates had the opportunity to meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill, urging Congress to prioritize legislative initiatives such as increasing funding for Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) research and education, enhancing liver disease surveillance at the CDC, and finalizing Medicare coverage for anti-obesity medications. These priorities reflect a collective effort to improve access to liver disease treatments and reduce financial burdens on patients.

In conclusion, the American Liver Foundation's advocacy summit represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for recognition and support of liver health issues. With champions like Senator Cassidy and Congressman Nadler, along with dedicated advocates like Don and Tammy, there is a renewed hope for change in liver disease policies and patient care. Individuals looking to take action and support liver health initiatives can become Liver Life Advocates by visiting the ALF website.

For more information on the American Liver Foundation and their ongoing efforts to improve liver health across the nation, visit their site at www.liverfoundation.org or call 1-800-GO-LIVER.