Beyond Fame: Real Stories of Liver Disease
Turning a Personal Battle into Advocacy
Reality TV personality Sam Vanderpump, recognized for his appearances on Made in Chelsea and as the nephew of Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Lisa Vanderpump, shocked fans in October after announcing he had been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease caused by polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – a genetic disorder that can affect the liver and lead to the need for a liver transplant. Sam said, “There is no hope of my liver getting better… They’re sending me for a liver transplant assessment.” He revealed that without a lifesaving liver transplant, he would only have four to five years to live. Rather than retreating from the spotlight, Sam chose to use his platform to raise awareness about liver health and the importance of organ donation. In a recent episode of Made in Chelsea, Sam’s co-star, Ollie, asked him how he was felt after receiving the diagnosis, Sam told him that he planned to continue to do what he could to keep feeling “healthy” until he could get a liver transplant. Sam said, “The way I look at it, I’m healthy now. Hopefully I remain healthy all the way up until one day [when] they’ll give me a call, and I’ll go in for a [liver transplant] surgery. And then I wake up and I’ll be healthier.” As Sam navigates the transplant evaluation process, his openness about his journey with liver disease underscores a critical message – liver disease can affect anyone, and early detection and organ donation saves lives.
A Hall of Famer Tackles Liver Health
In September, NFL legend Dan Marino, known for his record-breaking career with the Miami Dolphins, disclosed he has been living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a dangerously progressive form of steatotic (fatty) liver disease. Approximately 11% of MASH patients will develop cirrhosis or liver failure resulting in the need for a lifesaving liver transplant. Despite being diagnosed in 2007, Marino chose to share his diagnosis publicly, for the first time, to help bring awareness to the risks of liver disease and the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. In a recent interview, when asked what made him decide to come forward after all these years he said, “It’s all about awareness…If I can make a difference, maybe people will go to their doctor, ask about it, get their physicals, and catch it early.” Marino credits lifestyle changes and regular health monitoring for keeping his condition under control. In a recent interview, Marino said, “The message is simple: see your doctor. Know that it’s manageable. My doctor told me: exercise, eat right, all the things you hear all the time. But first, you have to know you have it so you can manage it properly.” Marino’s story is a powerful reminder that liver disease often develops silently and can impact even the most elite athletes.
Why These Stories Matter
Both Sam Vanderpump and Dan Marino are using their voices to spotlight liver health—a topic that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Their journeys remind us that liver disease can affect anyone, regardless of fame or lifestyle, and that stigma and denial can delay lifesaving care. We applaud Sam and Dan for their courage to share their personal struggles and help break stigma and encourage proactive care.