Texas Newsletter - American Liver Foundation

LIFE
American Liver Foundation
Desert Southwest Division
Texas Newsletter
April 2014
LIVER INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE
President’s
Corner
As President of the Board of
Directors and on behalf of
my fellow Board Members, I
would like to give a sincere
thank you to all of the
volunteers, donors, sponsors
and supporters for their
invaluable
contributions
to the American Liver
Foundation (ALF). I would
also like to recognize and
thank BJ Bergeron for serving as Board President for the past
couple of years.
The community needs your continued support in order for
us to increase our ability to reach out and help those in need.
With your help, we can conquer challenges we face together!
The American Liver Foundation asks that you remember us
and our mission when you consider supporting a cause. By
giving, you can be part of the solution to the problem of liver
disease that impacts millions in our communities. I would
also like to encourage you to contribute in other ways, such
as volunteering at events and fundraisers.
The ALF continues to provide critical services for an estimated
30 million Americans living with liver disease today. These
efforts have also enabled our foundation to continue
to increase the level of awareness and education in our
community for issues related to liver health and disease.
If you would like additional information to become more
involved, please do not hesitate to contact the ALF. I look
forward to meeting you at one of our upcoming events.
Thanks,
Dr. Daniel H. Leung
President, Desert Southwest Division Board of
Directors-South Texas
American Liver Foundation
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Have Fun & Help Save Lives!
The Liver Life Walk Houston is an all-ages event that draws
over 800 participants from the community together for a 5k
and 1k walk to raise over $110,000 for the American Liver
Foundation and the fight against liver disease. The morning
is filled with family friendly activities including music, clowns,
face painting, cheerleaders, dancers, snacks, and more.
Join the American Liver Foundation-Desert Southwest
Division’s Liver Life Walk Houston on Saturday, April 26 at
MacGregor Park.
Sign up as a:
R Team Captain R Walker
Contact Carmen Herrera at 713-249-8325 or
[email protected] for more details.
Table of Contents
Page 1 ................. President’s Corner
Page 1 ................. Liver Life Walk Houston
Page 2 ................. Support Groups
Page 2 ................. Reasons to Get Involved
Page 2 ................. Save the Date
Page 2 ................. Board of Directors
Page 3 ................. Flavors of Houston 2013
Page 3 ................. Liver Matters
Page 3 ................. Love Your Liver
Page 4 ................. Dedicated Online Information Resource Center
for Hepatic Encephalopathy
Page 4 ................. Tributes and Memorials
Page 5 ................. Team Cooper
Page 5 ................. Houston LIVEr Champion
American Liver Foundation: Texas E-Newsletter April 2014 1
Reasons to Get Involved!
How can you get involved with the American Liver
Foundation and make a difference?
• Are you a Leader? Become a chairperson or committee
member for one of our special events.
• Need Service Learning Hours or Community Service?
We welcome your short-term or long-term help.
• Is Education Your Thing? As a presenter, we’ll train and
provide resources for you to conduct on-site education
and outreach programs for either youth or adults – your
choice!
Support Groups
American Liver Foundation’s support services provide
information about liver disease, resources and emotional
support to patients, family members and caregivers. Support
programs assist patients who have been diagnosed with liver
disease, provide education and information on resources in
their area, and offer emotional support to them and their
family members and caregivers.
Contact Carmen Herrera at 713-249-8325 or email
[email protected]
Save the Date
The Methodist Hospital Liver Transplant Support Group
All liver patients and their families are invited!
The group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month
from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Methodist Hospital - (Main Building - Room 788)
6565 Fannin Street
Houston, Texas 77030
Contact:
Shelley Spector
713-441-1915
Liver Life Walk Houston
Saturday, April 26, 2014
MacGregor Park
Flavors of Houston
August/September 2014 TBD
Hilton Houston Post Oak
AcariaHealth Hepatitis C Virtual Support Group
Safe and confidential forum via phone provided by
pharmacists and nurses with extensive experience.
First Timers (for treatment naïve patients), First Thursday of
each month at 8pm CT
Give it Another Go (for treatment experienced patients),
Second Thursday of each month at 11am CT
One Day at a Time (for patients on active treatment), Third
Thursday of each month at 11am CT
What Can I Do About...? (side effect management): Fourth
Thursday of each month at 8pm CT
For More Information and to Register:
Board of Directors
Contact:
Barbara Morgan, RN
(800) 511-5144 Ext. 1033
[email protected]
Medical Advisory Committee
Daniel Leung, M.D., President
BJ Bergeron, Past President
Julie Corkrean
Rachel Goldsmith
Ben Hays
F. Blaine Hollinger, M.D.,
MAC Co-Chairman
F. Blaine Hollinger, M.D.,
Co-Chairman
Kelly Marks
LaRhea Nichols
Claire O’Malley-Shisler
Julia O’Banion Tanner
Kamille Warren
John M. Vierling, M.D.,
Co-Chairman
American Liver Foundation: Texas E-Newsletter April 2014 2
Flavors of Houston
The American Liver Foundation celebrated its 8th annual
Flavors of Houston event presented by Salix Pharmaceuticals on
Wednesday, September 18th at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel.
With the support of the guests, the event successfully raised over
$126,000 to support key efforts in carrying out the American Liver
Foundation’s mission to find a cure for liver disease. Other sponsors
included: National Gold Sponsor: Salix Pharmaceuticals, National
Silver Sponsor: Merck Pharmaceuticals and Cru Classé Sponsors:
Sonya & William A. Carpenter Jr., Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, Texas
Children’s Hospital and Vertex.
Participating Chefs:
AJ Junnarkar, Red Dot Cuisine
www.reddotcuisine.com
Jason Schneider, Hilton Houston Post Oak
www.houstonpostoak.hilton.com
Hytham Badr, Ristorante Cavour at Hotel Granduca
www.granducahouston.com
Nick Banaszak, 51Fifteen Restaurant & Lounge
www.51fifteen.com
Kevin Bryant, Eleven XI
www.elevenxihouston.com
Christofer Dilan, abuso Catering co.
www.abusocatering.com
Antonio Galan, Lakeside Restaurant & Bar at La Torretta
Lake Resort
www.latorrettalakeresort.com/prime-restaurant.aspx
Clinton Jackson, CJ’s Masterpiece
www.cjaworkofart.wix.com/cjsmasterpiece
Jeff Boudreaux, Brasserie Max and Julie
www.caferabelais.com/Brasserie
Brian McNamara, Jasper’s - The Woodlands
www.kentrathbun.com
Mark Gabriel Medina, Soma Sushi
www.somasushi.com
Christopher Andrus, Sorrel Urban Bistro
www.sorrelhouston.com
Monica Pope, Sparrow Bar + Cookshop
www.sparrowhouston.com
Brian Robertson, The Steakhouse at the San Luis Hotel
www.sanluisresort.com/dining-entertainment/the-steakhouse/
index.cfm
Andrés L. Rumis, Rosemary’s Catering Houston
www.therkgroup.com
Liver Matters
Love Your Liver
Schedule a Program Today – Liver Matters
Love Your Liver is an interactive liver wellness education
program geared toward middle and high school age students.
The program educates students about the liver, its functions,
types of liver disease, risk factors, and prevention steps.
Fifteen of Houston’s premier chefs created a unique gourmet
evening for more than 190 guests in attendance. The chefs
provided their own personal touch and ambiance with elaborate
table décor and 5 course menu with wine pairings. Cooking
tableside, chefs created personal experiences for their guests,
interacting and sharing tips and tricks from the experts.
Not only did the evening allow guests to sample culinary
delights, but there was also an opportunity to purchase live and
silent auction items from coveted Houston artists, jewelers and
designers as well as entertainment packages, travel options and
more.
Flavors of Houston delivered a flavorful and memorable experience
for all who attended. The generosity and support of our sponsors,
guests, volunteers and chef’s are responsible for the continued
growth and success of Flavors of Houston.
Co-chairmen:
Over 30 million Americans are affected by liver disease. That
is one out of ten Americans! Liver disease has many faces
and affects anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or
circumstance. The American Liver Foundation implements a
wide range of educational and preventative efforts, including a
wellness program called Liver Matters.
One of the most powerful ways of maintaining liver health and
preventing liver disease is education. Many forms of liver disease
are preventable, and many more can be cured if detected early.
The goal of the Liver Matters Wellness Program is to increase the
general public’s awareness and inform them of the actions they
can take to improve their health.
For more information or to have this program implemented at
your company, organization or place of worship, contact Carmen
Herrera, Events Manager, at 713-249-8325 or
[email protected].
This free youth education program has been nationally
recognized and has reached nearly 150,000 students since its
inception in October 2008. Based on evaluations completed by
students, there is, on average, a 109% increase in liver knowledge
after participating in the program.
In Houston, we have reached over 300 students since October
2013. Our goal for 2014 is to reach 1,000 students in the Greater
Houston area. You can assist us in reaching our goal by referring
a school or administrator to Carmen Herrera, Events Manager, at
713-249-8325 or email [email protected].
American Liver Foundation: Texas E-Newsletter April 2014 3
Dedicated Online Information Resource Center for Hepatic Encephalopathy
you may be at risk or have been recently diagnosed with HE, we
encourage you to go to this site to find information on risk factors,
diagnosis, treatment and support. Check LiverFoundation.org
for upcoming webinars.
ONLINE INFORMATION: Visit HE123.org for information on
topics related to diagnosis, treatment and support for Hepatic
Encephalopathy.
SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL EDUCATION SERIES: It will take less
than a minute right now to enroll in the HE123 E-Series, so that
receiving information about HE will be as easy as opening your
email!
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is a condition that causes
temporary worsening of brain function in people with advanced
liver disease. When your liver is damaged it can no longer
remove toxic substances from your blood. These toxins build up
and can travel through your body until they reach your brain,
causing mental and physical symptoms of HE.
CALL THE HE123 HELPLINE: 800-GO-LIVER (800-465-4837)
M-F 8am-6pm CT
ORDER FREE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS: Visit our website
to download materials, including a Hepatic Encephalopathy
brochure (available in English, Spanish, Russian and Chinese).
Being a fully-informed participant in your medical care is an
important factor in staying as healthy as possible. The American
Liver Foundation recently launched the Dedicated Online
Information Resource Center program offering people with HE
the chance to follow three clearly defined steps so that they
can lead healthier, more active lives. If you or a loved one thinks
Tributes and Memorials
Give a great gift by honoring your loved one or friend
who has lost their fight against liver disease or someone
who deserves recognition for their dedication to a world
free from liver disease. Just go to
LiverFoundation.org/HowtoHelp
Gloria Adams
Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Whitney
In honor of BJ & Melony Bergeron
Shirley Sirota
Corolyn Lowrey
Sharon Hatter
Richard McGuire
Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Whitney
Warren Weil
Harriet and Bruce Spain
American Liver Foundation: Texas E-Newsletter April 2014 4
Team Cooper
Born on April 14, 2010, Cooper was a welcome addition to the
Hanks’ family. When Cooper was just one day old, his parents,
Josh and Kristen were told his bilirubin numbers were high and
the doctors weren’t sure why. Not understanding what all of
this meant they were understandably heartbroken and shocked
when their newborn baby was taken to the NICU for the next
24 hours. He was given medication to help open his bile ducts
and was then released from the hospital with no answers. After
two long months of tests and still no change in Cooper’s labs, he
underwent major surgery which confirmed that he had a rare
form of liver disease called Biliary Atresia. During the surgery
doctors performed the Kasai procedure, a surgery where
doctors use a piece of the baby’s own intestine to allow his bile
to flow. The procedure is 80% successful when completed by
two months of age.
Cooper was able to remain relatively healthy over the next year,
although his liver function tests were never normal. In August
of 2011, Cooper became very ill and was hospitalized for a high
fever and a lethal infection in his liver. It was then determined
that he was in need of a liver transplant. Cooper was put on the
transplant list on a Thursday afternoon and a match was found
just hours later that day! The very next day Cooper received his
new liver. It was a true miracle! With the strength and support
of his family, this little boy has undergone two major surgeries
before the age of two! His parents are grateful and faithful
that because of his new liver, Cooper should never have to
see another operating room. It has been over two years since
Cooper had his transplant. He is a beautiful, happy and healthy
little boy who loves playing outside, watching Mickey Mouse,
and especially loves his family!
Since 2011, the Hanks’ family has been joining the American
Liver Foundation as “Team Cooper” at the Liver Life Walk.
Although being a brand new team in 2011, Team Cooper raised
over $8,000, making it the number one walk team for the Liver
Life Walk Houston and repeated that top honor raising an
outstanding $16,450 in 2012 and an incredible $27,335 in 2013! Cooper was the Houston LIVEr Champion for one year and the
National LIVEr Champion in 2013.
To join Cooper, his family and many others just like them register
for the Liver Life Walk today!
2014 Houston LIVEr Champion
Abby Fields was born on December 16, 2008 as part of a set of fraternal twins. At her two
week checkup, the pediatrician noted that she hadn’t grown as much as her brother. At
6 weeks of age, Abby had a white stool. At her two month checkup the doctor noticed
Abby was jaundiced and lab results revealed liver enzymes were abnormal. Abby was
admitted to TCH and received the diagnosis of Biliary Atresia, where the common bile
duct between the liver and small intestine is blocked or absent. Treatment for Biliary
Atresia is the Kasai procedure which took place on February 23, 2009 and a probable
liver transplant in the future.
Over the next few months Abby was monitored to check her lab values and growth. She
was hospitalized twice in the summer of 2009 due to an infection within her bile ducts
called cholangitis. Since then, she has been a happy and healthy little girl. However, it is
never far from the Field’s minds that someday she will most likely require a life-saving
liver transplant.
Abby is a vivacious 5 year-old who enjoys preschool and is becoming quite the artist.
Abby has been involved in ballet, tap, and tumbling classes and recently a cheerleader
for Pee Wee football. In 2012, they formed Abby’s Angels and joined the Houston Liver
Life Walk. This year, Abby is the Houston LIVEr Champion.
American Liver Foundation: Texas E-Newsletter April 2014 5