#United States #Chicago #Liver Disease #Chicago Marathon #American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation in the 2026 Chicago Marathon

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is thrilled to announce its participation as an official charity partner in the upcoming 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Scheduled for October 11, this prestigious marathon attracts over 40,000 runners, offering a unique opportunity for the ALF to raise awareness about liver disease and support its mission. This marks the second consecutive year that ALF has joined hands with the marathon, alongside more than 200 other non-profit organizations, highlighting a united effort in the fight against liver ailments.

The Chicago Marathon, renowned for being one of the fastest marathon courses globally, promises a scenic yet challenging route through the heart of the city, commencing from the iconic Grant Park. Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of the American Liver Foundation, expressed her honor at having ALF as a charity partner for this esteemed event. She stated, “As thousands prepare to run 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.”

The Liver Life Challenge serves as ALF's official endurance program, uniting passionate athletes across the nation, forming Team ALF to run in honor of loved ones greatly impacted by liver diseases. This event not only represents a remarkable athletic achievement for both elite and amateur runners, but also provides a powerful platform to educate, engage, and inspire the community on the urgent need for liver disease prevention, research, and patient support.

Stories of Inspiration

Among the participants, Jim O'Connell from Nashua, New Hampshire, has a poignant reason for joining the race. He runs in memory of his father, who succumbed to liver cancer. Jim has dedicated significant efforts over the years, previously participating in the Boston Marathon with ALF and continuing his journey with the Chicago Marathon. He shared, “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.” His involvement with the ALF community has connected him to many others who share similar stories, emphasizing the importance of fundraising for ongoing research and awareness.

Another inspiring team member, Sydney Flakus-Witte, a researcher at the University of Chicago, is running to support her husband, who has primary sclerosing cholangitis—an autoimmune liver condition currently lacking approved treatments. “Watching him navigate this journey is a constant reminder that we need new scientific understandings,” she explained, highlighting the necessity for innovative research into liver health.

The 2026 ALF team is composed of runners of varying experiences, all connected by their personal journeys with liver disease. Each team member is driven by a powerful commitment to raise funds that will further the mission of the American Liver Foundation.

Team ALF includes members like:

• - Kathleen Doyen, who is participating for the first time in honor of her mother, a liver transplant recipient.
• - Michael Doyen, Kathleen's brother, who runs in honor of his wife, also a liver transplant recipient.
• - Megan Hoffman, a liver transplant social worker, who dedicates her run to the strength of her patients.
• - Alex Kerr, a new board member running for the first time to honor his father with a rare liver disease.

The Mission of the American Liver Foundation

ALF stands as a beacon of hope for the hundreds of millions of Americans grappling with liver disease. By advocating for those affected, funding crucial medical research, and raising public awareness about liver health and disease prevention, ALF has forged a strong community of patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Celebrating 50 impactful years, the organization continues to strive towards better liver health solutions and support systems for those in need.

To learn more about ALF's mission and the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon team, you can visit American Liver Foundation. As they lace up their running shoes, they carry forth a vital message of hope—the fight against liver disease must continue.

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