A Son’s Race, A Mother’s Legacy, and a Mission to End Liver Disease
This summer, Derek isn’t just lacing up his sneakers for the Falmouth Road Race—he’s on a mission to raise awareness and funds for American Liver Foundation (ALF) through this very personal Liver Life Challenge—Choose Your Challenge campaign. On Sunday, August 17th, Derek will run alongside a team of friends and colleagues, in memory of his mother, Sally, who passed away earlier this year from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), that went undetected until it was too late. Her diagnosis came after a sudden and frightening medical emergency in 2019: esophageal varices caused by portal hypertension, a complication of cirrhosis. The disease had gone undetected for so long that her only hope for survival was a lifesaving liver transplant. From that point on, her life became a whirlwind of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and heartache. Derek said, “She never complained, which was both a blessing and a curse. She was always tired, always cold. She lost weight, but her body swelled with fluid. She would vomit blood, her kidneys failed and then eventually, her hepatic encephalopathy got so bad she didn’t even recognize us anymore. Her strength was incredible—but she was suffering.” Unfortunately, Sally spent far too long on the liver transplant waitlist, hoping for a second chance that never came; Derek’s mom passed away in February 2025 after a long, hard battle.
In a bittersweet twist of fate, just two months after his mother’s passing, Derek joined Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, the very company that had recently secured FDA approval for Rezdiffra, the first treatment for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). As Director of Demand Management & Planning, Supply Chain, Derek now plays a key role in ensuring that this life-changing medication reaches the patients who need it most. Derek said, “It was fate that landed me here and while I wasn’t able to provide my mom this option, I’m honored to help others get that chance. I carry her story with me every day which is why I’m running—with a 15-pound weighted vest—to symbolize the burden patients carry and to raise funds for ALF. I added a sign and QR code to it; it says, $15 for 15 pounds, I want people to see the weight, feel the urgency, and take action.”
Derek isn’t running alone. By his side will be several colleagues and their family members. Other Madrigal employees will be cheering Derek and the team on from the Conshohocken, PA headquarters, the Waltham, MA office, and from field locations across the US. Monica Lizarraga, Director of Patient Advocacy at Madrigal, knows firsthand how important ALF’s mission is to patients. She said, “Derek’s story is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. At Madrigal, we talk about putting patients first—but when a colleague lives that mission, it’s transformative. His decision to run in his mother’s memory reminds us all of the human side of liver disease and it is through initiatives like this where we have the opportunity to listen, learn, and show up for the community. Innovation isn’t just about the science—it’s about connection.”
Together, Derek and his colleagues are running not only for Sally, but for the millions of Americans affected by liver disease. Derek said, “The key is education, empowerment, and persistence. We have to continue educating non-liver health professionals and teaching patients to advocate for themselves. Be relentless!”
Help Derek honor his mom, Sally, and all patients affected by liver disease - support his efforts, today!