American Liver Foundation Hosts MASH: Empower and Educate Summit
Patients with MASLD/MASH from Across the U.S. Gather in Chicago for Educational Workshops and Events
American Liver Foundation (ALF) hosted its MASH: Empower and Educate Summit on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel, bringing together 30 patients from across the country who live with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal of ALF’s Summit was to educate patients on their conditions and the latest in treatments and research, share information on health and wellness, and provide media training to help patients amplify their voices with media outlets throughout the country in an effort to raise national awareness of liver disease.
“Through initiatives like the MASH: Empower and Educate Summit, ALF continues to support caregivers and patient advocates living with MASH or MASLD who all gained vital information at the Summit, enjoyed connecting with other patients and hearing their lived experiences, and learned how to raise awareness about liver disease by sharing their own stories clearly and quickly,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver of a transplant recipient. “Participates enjoyed two full days of presentations and panel discussions led by medical professionals, nutritionists, health care journalists, and media training executives who provided valuable insights and conveyed relevant information that helped the patients gain a much better understanding of their conditions, how to manage those conditions and how to share their personal stories with the press.”
Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist and Assistant Professor Christopher Kasia, MD, of the University of Chicago, presented, The Latest in Liver Care: From Research to Treatment. Transplant Hepatologist Richard Green, MD, of Northwestern Medicine, joined Dr. Kasia as both presenters shared how patients can take charge of their liver health. They presented key findings regarding liver care and liver transplantation and also shared the newly approved liver disease therapies. Andres Castillo, APRN, Nurse Practitioner in Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine presented, Living Well with MASH: Small Changes, Big Impact and shared great exercises at every level of someone’s fitness journey from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. Castillo emphasized the importance of gradually incorporating various fitness routines into your fitness journey.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jamie Simko, MS, LD, of Indiana University Health University Hospital presented, The Liver-Friendly Kitchen: Food, Flavor, and Nutrition. Her session focused on liver healthy food, how to flavor your food without using sodium, and also overall nutritional advice for patients withadvanced liver disease and those who are pre-and post-liver transplantation. Clinical Psychologist Anahli Patel, Psyd, HSPP, of Indiana University Health University Hospital presented, Destigmatizing MASH where she helped patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with chronic health conditions like MASH. Her session helped provide a better understanding of the stigma of MASH and how to challenge common misconceptions and reframe the narrative regarding MASH. A final panel presentation focused on practical strategies for managing MASH and related conditions such as diabetes and included MASH patient Dr. Shawanna James-Coles, an educator and Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Lower Merion School District. Dr. James-Cole shared her lived experience with MASH and how she manages the ups and downs of her condition while the presenters highlighted practical, sustainable strategies for managing MASH and improving overall health.
In addition to the clinical and nutrition-focused sessions, the Summit featured a “Meet the Journalists” panel discussion that offered insights and strategies for working with various media outlets - TV, radio, podcasts, and newspapers. Three well-known Chicago journalists shared their expertise and tips for engaging with journalists - Emmy-winning NBC5 reporter Regina Waldroup, covers health and wellness initiatives, medical advancements, community human-interest stories and charitable events; Chicago Sun Times Health Reporter Elvia Malagón, the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Best Community Reporting for her coverage of diversity in Rogers Park, writes articles on social justice issues, income inequality and community-driven human interest stories; and Award-winning veteran journalist Monica Eng of Axios Chicago who has over 30 years of experience in journalism currently covers food, culture, health, politics, and metro news. She also co-hosts, Chewing, a podcast about various food and health topics.
An informative session on Storytelling and Media Coaching was led by David Viggiano and Charisse Barnachea of Mekky Media where the power of sharing your personal story with the press was emphasized and the importance of sharing your journey to help educate and inspire the public was highlighted throughout the presentation. Participants learned clear, memorable messages and how to frame their story during an interview.
“We are so grateful to the expert panelists who led such powerful and informative presentations for our attendees,” said Ms. Stiehl. “Bringing together patients who are living with MASH or MASLD is an important part of building a stronger, more informed community. We are very grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Madrigal, and our Silver Sponsor, Boehringer Ingelheim, for providing this important opportunity for patients.”
For more information about ALF, please visit www.liverfoundation.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding liver diseases, please call our FREE helpline at 1-800-Go-LIVER (800-465-4837) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.