Michael and Susan Kerr
A Story of Hope
Forty years ago, ALF Board member Michael Kerr and his wife Susan fell in love. When Michael needed a liver transplant this January, Susan donated half of her liver to him.
Storytelling is powerful medicine!
Reading your personal experience of liver disease can help inspire others on their journey.
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Home > Divisions > Liver Awareness Month 2010
October is Liver Awareness Month
The liver is a vital organ – no one can survive without it, but it is a silent organ because it can be damaged without sending any signals or symptoms. Hence, many people live with liver disease for a long time without ever knowing it.
Liver disease is caused by:
- Genetics
- Viruses
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices
- Medicines and toxic chemicals
Liver disease affects individuals of all ages including babies and children, people of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more if detected early can be treated effectively. That is why the American Liver Foundation is committed to providing support and resources for liver disease patients, educating the general public about liver health and funding important research to ultimately end liver disease.
Get the facts
The statistics on the prevalence of liver disease in the United States are startling.
- More than 30 million people in the U.S. have liver disease – or 1 in 10 Americans.
- Liver diseases such as hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver cancer are on the rise
- Up to 25% of Americans may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Four million Americans are infected with hepatitis C and more than 1 million Americans are infected with hepatitis B
- Approximately 15,000 children are hospitalized every year with pediatric liver disease or disorders
Prevention is essential to stop the rise of liver disease! In conjunction with Liver Awareness month, the American Liver Foundation is calling on you to join us in our prevention and awareness efforts!
Follow these ten simple liver health tips. Take care of your liver so your liver can take care of you.
- Eat a well balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Be careful with aerosol sprays
- Wash your hands
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Follow directions on all medications
- Get vaccinated
- Don't share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
- Get tested if you think you are at risk
- Practice safe sex
- Learn more about liver disease
Press Center
Download the Liver Awareness Month 2010 press release
 | Liver Awareness Month 2010 Press Release28KB |
What is the American Liver Foundation?
The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to facilitate, advocate, and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
There are 16 divisions of the American Liver Foundation across the US. Each division holds at least one Liver Life Walk and one Flavors event each year and some coordinate Liver Life Challenge events too.
The American Liver Foundation offers a variety of liver health and disease prevention education programs, such as the Love Your Liver Program (LYL), Fatty Liver Information Program (FLIP), and Treatment Choices Initiative (TCI).
The American Liver Foundation National HELP-LINE (1-800-GO-LIVER) is available from 9:00 am -5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday.
The American Liver Foundation Research Awards Program has awarded over $23 million in research grants to support research for the treatment and cure of liver disease.
© Copyright 2013 American Liver Foundation. All Rights Reserved. The American Liver Foundation is a member of the World Hepatitis Alliance.