For Patients & Family

Find the resources you need.

Locate A Chapter

Liver Disease and
Related Topics

Liver Disease Glossary
Know the terms, understand your care

ClinicalTrials.gov
A service of the U.S. National Institute of Health

Call Us! 1-800-GO-LIVER

Become an Organ Donor

Give the gift of life to those who need a new liver.

Learn More

Home > Patients & Families > ALF Transplant Fund > How a Fund Helps You

How a Transplant Fund Helps You

ALF acts as a trustee of funds raised on behalf of patients to help pay for medical care and other expenses associated with transplantation.

The cost of a liver transplant currently averages about $280,000 for immediate hospital and doctor expenses. Necessary pre- and post-operative expenses bring the total to about $314,000 and in some especially complicated cases much more. Follow-up care in the years after a transplant is an additional cause for concern.

Even patients whose transplants are covered by insurance find that they must raise a substantial part of the funds needed for their treatment themselves. The American Liver Foundation (ALF) established the Transplant Fund Program to assist patients and families in this essential task.

How does the ALF Transplant Fund Program make it easier for patients to raise money?

By providing professional administration of funds without charge, ALF assures contributors that donations will be used for the intended purpose. ALF also provides a comprehensive packet of ideas and recommendations for how patients and their families can successfully raise funds.

How are contributions managed?

Contributions may be made online, by phone or by mail. All contributions must be made payable to the American Liver Foundation Transplant Fund and must designate the recipient. Money collected for an individual will be held in a restricted account for the benefit of that individual. Decisions on handling the funds are made by the Foundation’s Executive Committee or its designee.

What expenses will be covered by the funds?

Expenses covered include medical care not covered by insurance or other source of payment, evaluation and follow-up care, medications, necessary travel expenses to the transplant center, and extraordinary costs related to the patient’s care and support. The fund can also be used for the travel expenses of parents or guardians accompanying a child, or of a family member accompanying an adult. All payments are subject to ALF review and approval.

What is the procedure for paying bills or obtaining reimbursement?

Patients receive all bills and must confirm that the bill is correct and should be paid. Once the patient has approved it, the original bill is sent to ALF along with a Payment Request Form. ALF uses funds from the transplant account to pay the bill. Receipts are required for reimbursements. All bills are forwarded to the Liver Transplant Fund by the patient after the patient has received them, unless special arrangements are made on an individual basis.

What if the funds raised cannot meet all the expenses?

The Foundation's responsibility is limited to the expenditure of the available funds held in trust.

What if the funds collected are greater than needed?

Funds are held in trust as long as the need continues. In the event of death, the money will remain in the account for at least six months to ensure payment of outstanding bills. Afterwards, the remaining amount is restricted to use in educational, research, and awareness programs of the American Liver Foundation.

Does the American Liver Foundation charge for managing the funds?

No. However, any interest accrued by the fund will be used by ALF to cover the expenses of administering the Transplant Fund Program.

How can I open a Transplant Fund account?

To open an account, simply contact Joan Gallagher (jgallagher@liverfoundation.org, 212-668-1000 ext. 224) at the American Liver Foundation and request a Transplant Fund application packet.

How do I make a contribution to a particular individual’s Transplant Fund?

There are two ways to donate to a Transplant Fund:

  • By mail. Please make your check payable to the American Liver Foundation Transplant Fund and write the transplant patient’s name in the memo line of the check. Mail your donation to the American Liver Foundation, 1425 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009-1000.
  • By phone. Please call Joan Gallagher at 212-668-1000 ext. 224 and be ready to provide a valid credit card number.

There are many advantages to raising funds through an ALF Liver Transplant Fund.

  • ALF does not charge an administration fee.
  • ALF specializes in assisting only patients with liver disease.
  • ALF will reimburse your expenses promptly upon receipt of claims.
  • You or contributors may be able to solicit corporate matching gifts.
  • ALF will acknowledge contributors to your fund in a timely manner.
  • Contributors can be assured of fiscal accountability.
  • You will receive helpful fundraising suggestions and guidelines.


The information contained here is provided for information only. This information does not constitute medical advice and it should not be relied upon as such. The American Liver Foundation (ALF) does not engage in the practice of medicine. ALF, under no circumstances, recommends particular treatments for specific individuals and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any course of treatment.

Reviewed 2/23/2007

Page updated: March 21st, 2007