About Our Division

A Message from the Chairman

Welcome to the Connecticut Division of the American Liver Foundation (ALF). Our division was founded in 1983 by two intrepid women, Bonnie Goldberg and Joyce Willig when liver disease came into their lives and they discovered there were very few places to turn to for support and information. With the encouragement of Dr. James Boyer, they began a chapter funded by pennies (literally) and based out of their homes. Our division is forever grateful to Bonnie and Joyce and they both remain involved in our activities and honorary board members.

If you have opened our website we can assume that your life has also been touched by liver disease in some way. It may be a family member, a friend a neighbor or a coworker who is fighting this battle. The Connecticut Division of the ALF is a valuable resource that can provide support and information. A diagnosis of liver disease can be overwhelming and frightening and we can help. Our staff and volunteers are made up of people who know what you are going through because we have been there! We too have been touched by liver disease. Some of us have liver disease ourselves or have a family member who does. Some of us are healthcare professional who treat liver disease. Some of us are transplant providers and some of us are waiting for a transplant or one of the lucky ones who have already received this precious gift. We are all proud to serve our community by providing support and advocacy for those affected by liver disease.

The term “liver disease” does not refer to one single disease but rather many different diseases that affect the liver. You can inherit liver disease, have it result from an anomaly found at birth or develop it later on in life. It does not discriminate, it affects individuals without any consideration of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic background. Your support of our division can help in so many ways. We provide:

* Community education programs on liver disease and liver wellness

* Professional education for health care providers on liver disease

* Informational packets on numerous topics like hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, liver transplantation, PBC and many others.

* Support groups

* Funding of vital research to prevent, treat and cure liver diseases

* Referrals to healthcare providers

* The Liver Life Walk (In 2009 we raised over $200,000 to fund research)

* Advocacy efforts

To learn more about our division and programs or to make a donation, please click on the link below.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Debi Palmeri RN-CCTC

Board Chairman

Connecticut Division

American Liver Foundation

What We Offer

Among the services offered by the Connecticut Division are; Love Your Liver educational program for school children; Treatment Choices Initiatives program for people who have or are at risk for Hepatitis C; F.L.I.P – Fatty Liver Information Program: physician referrals; educational programs for patients, their families and medical professionals; educational brochures and information; and participation in health fairs. The Division reaches over 4,000 people through the Division newsletter, LIFE and thousands more through the information posted on the Web site.

In order to provide services and fund life-saving research, the Division hosts a variety of fundraising events and campaigns. The Division also derives support from the generosity of private and corporate contributions, direct donations, memorials, and honorariums.

The Division is governed by a voluntary Board and hosts a Medical Advisory Committee & Associate Medical Advisory Committee of leading physicians and health professionals. This distinguished group provides insight and support for the Division, particularly in the area of liver disease education.

Connecticut Division Staff

JoAnn Thompson
Division Vice President

Marla Hannah Sadler
Event Manager

Phil Scarfo
Program Manager

Jesseca Squeglia
Administrative Assistant

Contact Us

127 Washington Avenue
2nd Floor
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone: 203-234-2022

Fax: 203-234-1386

Email: Connecticut

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