Early Detection Can Change a Life

Jim Hartmann’s life changed forever in November 2025 when he lost his wife, Nancy, to end-stage liver disease.

We didn’t have to lose Nancy.

What Jim and Nancy didn’t know was that her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diagnosed in 1990, had likely been affecting her liver for decades. By the time she was diagnosed with liver disease in 2021, the damage was irreversible.

Today, Jim is committed to helping other families avoid the same painful and unnecessary loss. He is raising awareness of the important connection between PCOS and liver disease and encouraging women with PCOS to be proactive about their liver health. He wishes this connection had been recognized when Nancy was first diagnosed with PCOS.

The need for awareness is significant.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10–13% of women worldwide have PCOS, and several studies suggest that women with PCOS face a higher risk of developing steatotic (fatty) liver disease. With greater awareness and timely screening, liver disease may be identified before serious liver damage occurs.

In Nancy’s memory, Jim continues to advocate for education, early detection and prevention. Through his support of American Liver Foundation, he is helping ensure more women understand their risk and protect their liver health before it is too late.

Your support can help give more people the knowledge Jim and Nancy wish they had and help protect other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.