American Liver Foundation Hosts National Legacy Gala Honoring Leaders in Liver Health
The American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) National Legacy Gala will host patients and families, thoughts leaders, leading medical professionals, business visionaries and organizational partners in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotech industries on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Capitale in New York City all to raise awareness and funds for those affected by liver disease.
“Liver disease affects the whole family, from autoimmune, rare and pediatric diseases to liver cancer and fatty liver disease (now called steatotic liver disease or SLD), no matter where someone is on their liver journey it takes a toll on everyone involved,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, American Liver Foundation and caregiver to a transplant recipient. “That’s why we are so committed to providing support to the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease, and reaching those who remain undiagnosed. Without the generous support and dedication of everyone involved with this year’s National Legacy Gala our critical work would not be possible and we are incredibly grateful.”
ALF’s National Legacy Gala Chair is Richard J. Miller Jr. Esq., a passionate liver advocate and ALF National Board Member who received a transplant in May 2021. “I am honored to lead our efforts in raising funds for this great cause, which is so important to me. We will be gathering together to recognize Michael Dowling, Tom Nealon, and Dr. David A. Piccoli for their invaluable contributions to the liver community,” said Miller.
The evening at Capitale in New York City will include a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner featuring a stunning presentation to our award recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the liver community in the fields of biotechnology, medical innovation, and philanthropy.
The 2023 Award Recipients include:
- Healthcare Visionary Award - Michael Dowling - One of healthcare’s most influential voices, Michael Dowling, leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise of over 83,000 health professionals. His leadership has been invaluable to Northwell’s consistent expansion and prominence. In 2020, he successfully navigated the health system through the first COVID-19 epicenter in the US, detailing his experiences in Leading Through a Pandemic: The Inside Story of Humanity, Innovation, and Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Crisis.
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Tom Nealon - For over two decades, Tom Nealon has served as a compassionate leader and visionary for ALF providing meritorious leadership to liver patients, families, and caregivers. His passion for the liver community has not wavered from the moment he registered to run his first Boston Marathon in 2002 in support of a young child with Biliary Atresia, during his time as ALF’s National Board Chair or when serving as ALF’s CEO and President.
- Leadership Award - David A. Piccoli, MD - Over his 40-year career, Dr. Piccoli has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing outstanding pediatric care and saving the lives of countless children affected by liver disease. Recognized multiple times throughout his career by “best physician” lists ranging from Philadelphia Magazine to US News and World Report, Dr. Piccoli has gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of his young patients.
In addition to the evening’s tributes and awards, a variety of items will be available for silent auction including sporting events, stays to locations around the world, and accessories. The silent auction will be utilizing the GiveSmart online bidding platform, and pre-event and remote bidding will be available at LegacyGala23.givesmart.com.
For further information about the award recipients or about the evening’s events visit https://alfgala.org.
About Liver Disease:
Your liver is essential to your life. It is the largest solid internal organ in the body. It is about the size of a football and weighs about 3 to 3.5 pounds (1.36–1.59kg). It is located on your right side, just under your rib cage. The liver performs many vital functions, including filtering toxins from your blood, managing blood clotting, making bile to digest fat, storing sugar for energy, turning extra glucose into glycogen, making protein for blood plasma, and helping with digestion.
There are many kinds of liver diseases and conditions, the most common are hepatitis viruses, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)*, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, cancer, and others. More than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease. Approximately 4.5 million U.S. adults (1.8%) have been diagnosed with liver disease. But it is estimated that 80-100 million adults in the U.S. have fatty liver disease, and many do not know they have it. Research estimates that fatty liver disease is present in up to 75% of overweight people and in more than 90% with severe obesity. Globally, it affects one billion people. In 2020, 51,642 adults in the U.S. died from liver disease (15.7 per 100,000 population). Find more information about Liver Disease.
About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s largest non-profit organization focused solely on promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation achieves its mission in the fight against liver disease by funding scientific research, education for medical professionals, advocacy, information and support programs for patients and their families as well as public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention. The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to promote education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call:1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).
*Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been newly renamed metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 08:51 am