Patients with MASLD/MASH from Across the U.S. Gathered in Chicago for Educational Workshops and Events
CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Liver Foundation (ALF) hosted its MASH: Empower and Educate Summit on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Hotel, bringing together 30 patients from across the country who live with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal of ALF’s Summit was to educate patients on their conditions and the latest in treatments and research, share information on health and wellness, and provide media training to help patients amplify their voices with media outlets throughout the country in an effort to raise national awareness of liver disease.
“Through initiatives like the MASH: Empower and Educate Summit, ALF continues to support caregivers and patient advocates living with MASH or MASLD who all gained vital information at the Summit, enjoyed connecting with other patients and hearing their lived experiences, and learned how to raise awareness about liver disease by sharing their own stories clearly and quickly,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation and a caregiver of a transplant recipient. “Participates enjoyed two full days of presentations and panel discussions led by medical professionals, nutritionists, health care journalists, and media training executives who provided valuable insights and conveyed relevant information that helped the patients gain a much better understanding of their conditions, how to manage those conditions and how to share their personal stories with the press.”
Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist and Assistant Professor Christopher Kasia, MD, of the University of Chicago, presented, The Latest in Liver Care: From Research to Treatment. Transplant Hepatologist Richard Green, MD, of Northwestern Medicine, joined Dr. Kasia as both presenters shared how patients can take charge of their liver health. They presented key findings regarding liver care and liver transplantation and also shared the newly approved liver disease therapies. Andres Castillo, APRN, Nurse Practitioner in Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine presented, Living Well with MASH: Small Changes, Big Impact and shared great exercises at every level of someone’s fitness journey from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. Castillo emphasized the importance of gradually incorporating various fitness routines into your fitness journey.
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