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In this Issue:
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Have you heard of NAFLD or NASH? Chances are, you probably know someone with the disease. It is estimated that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now afflicts approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide and closed to half a million individuals residing in San Diego alone. Therefore, it is both a global and local problem.
NAFLD is defined as presence of fat on the liver with either little or no alcohol use and no other causes. It can be broadly classified into two sub-categories: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is considered a non-progressive form; and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a more advanced and dangerous progression.
NASH can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. NASH is also the second leading indication for liver transplant. It is particularly relevant to the population in San Diego County as NAFLD has a specific ethnic predisposition. It is more commonly seen in individuals with Hispanic, South East Asian, Far East Asia, and American Indian ethnicity.
Awareness about NASH needs to become a priority and we are thrilled to participate in the First International NASH Day on June 12th. We invite the broader San Diego Community to help us spread the word among the doctors, researchers, and most importantly, among patients who are at risk of NASH. We hope to make San Diego NASH free by 2035, and education is a first step.
Let us all work together to help screen for NASH and serve our community better. Join us on June 12th at International NASH Day at the NAFLD Research Center. For questions, please contact Kathryn Berger at k2berger@ucsd.edu.
Rohit Loomba, MD, MHSc
Chair, Medical Advisory Committee
American Liver Foundation Pacific Coast Division
Director, NAFLD Research Center
University of California at San Diego
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For questions, please contact Kathryn Berger at k2berger@ucsd.edu or 858-246-006.
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The 15th Annual Flavors of San Diego will take place on Sunday, October 14th, 2018 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. This year we are thrilled to have Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille as our Honorary Chef Chair and Chef Jon Palsson of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina as our Chef Host Chair.
Flavors is a culinary experience that goes beyond the traditional gala providing guests with the unique experience of having a top local chef prepare a multi-course dinner tableside. The evening showcases the signature dishes of our culinary experts and takes you beyond the usual restaurant fare. Unleash your inner “foodie” and experience a distinct evening of dining while helping to fund the research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation.
Join us for a night that you won’t soon forget all while helping to improve the lives of the 30 million people in the United States living with liver disease.
To purchase tickets or to check out a current list of participating Chefs CLICK HERE.
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Meet Brian Christie! 
Brian Christie, ALF Pacific Coast Division and National Board Member, is a retired CNN news anchor who shared his experience after being diagnosed with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
"After several years as a broadcast journalist and anchor at CNN, my last few years on-the-air were spent working and enjoying the beauty and charm of Southern California. At two TV stations in San Diego, the work slowly became more challenging and frustrating. But I couldn’t understand my constant fatigue. Unexplained weakness and very little energy became part of my life. Brain fog, confusion and lack of concentration meant it took me longer to write and deliver nightly newscasts, hourly updates. Every newscast meant grinding out countless news stories at a top local independent station and eventually the FOX affiliate in San Diego, which was part of the job..."
Read the full article from medium.com HERE.
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Join us for our first Ask the Experts Forum of 2018 which will be held at the LGBT Center located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest on June 30, 2018 from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm.
Speakers will include Dr. Julio Gutierrez on HCV and Alcoholic Hepatitis, Dr. Robert Gish on HBV and Dr. Christian Ramers on Coinfection HIV/HCV.
Patients and Caregivers - Free with optional syllabus for $10
Students - Free with optional syllabus for $10
Professionals - Free with optional syllabus for $10
Professionals with CEU Credits - $40 includes 4 CEU Credits for nurses and addiction counselors
Continental Breakfast for ALL included
To REGISTER CLICK HERE or for more information please contact Peggy Beers, ALF Community Outreach and Education Manager at Phone 619-291-5483 or by email at mbeers@liverfoundation.org
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We have many wonderful ways and great reasons to get involved with the American Liver Foundation and give back to the community while making new friends at the same time!
Below are current opportunities available with the Pacific Coast Division.
Weekly Office Volunteer
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 GENFIT is a biopharmaceutical company that is dedicated to addressing unmet patient needs with one of the most advanced therapeutic and diagnostic programs in NASH. GENFIT has been at the forefront of launching the 1st International NASH Day … a global initiative. To learn more CLICK HERE.
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Picture (L to R): Scott Suckow with the American Liver Foundation Pacific Coast Division; Congressman Scott Peters and Josh Yeager with ALSIC.
The American Liver Foundation joined the American Life Sciences Innovation Council to present Congressman Scott Peters with the 2018 Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award. This award is in recognition of the Congressman’s support of the following issues:
- Protecting Medicare Parts B and D from changes that would limit patient access, harm provider participation in the program, and stifle a competitive marketplace.
- Supporting federal funding for research.
- Expressing concern or calling for repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
- Support for the 21st Century Cures Act and its timely implementation.
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