Ready to Connect?
When you are ready, join our Support Group meetings, and/or choose the Heart to Heart Journey Partner who best aligns with your experience and schedule a one-on-one conversation through their calendar link. Liver Education Advocates is here to make sure no one walks this path alone.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
Liver disease can feel overwhelming but support, understanding, and hope make a difference. Our support programs were created to connect you with people who have lived through real challenges and are ready to walk beside you with compassion, honesty, and encouragement.
FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH
THE LIVER DISEASE MAZE
All are welcome to join, liver disease patients, caregivers, liver transplant patients, and anyone interested in liver disease awareness. With us, you’ll find a compassionate group to help you through the maze of liver disease. You don’t have to go it alone.
This is a safe place to share your story or just listen to others. Occasionally there will be liver disease experts in the meeting to answer your questions and update us with the latest news on liver disease.
All Liver Disease Support Group members now also have the added value of our Heart to Heart Personalized Support Program where one-on-one conversations can be set with our Liver Journey Partners.
Our Support Group and Heart-to-Heart programs are peer-based spaces to connect with others on a similar journey and are not intended to replace care from licensed mental health professionals or with other medical care teams.
Contact us at supportgroup@liveradvocates.org if you have any questions or need help.
Heart to Heart:
Personalized Support for Every Step of Your Liver Journey
Heart to Heart is a one-on-one support program created for members of our Liver Disease Support Group. Through this program, members can connect with a Liver Journey Partner, a trained volunteer who brings lived experience, encouragement, and practical understanding to those navigating liver disease and its challenges.
Each Journey Partner offers a unique perspective, including caregiving, cirrhosis, liver cancer, transplant, alcohol-related liver disease, and lifestyle-based liver health improvement.
Meet Our Liver Journey Partners
Every liver journey is different. Our Heart to Heart partners bring different experiences, strengths, and perspectives, so you can connect with the person who feels like the best fit for where you are right now.
Betsy Villiotti
Caregiver Support, Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer, and Transplant
Betsy supported her husband, Tony Villiotti, through fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, transplant, and rehabilitation. Her experience as a caregiver gives her deep empathy and practical insight for families facing serious liver disease, transplant, or recovery. She offers a steady, reassuring presence to both patients and loved ones.
Good fit for:
- Caregivers and spouses
- Families facing cirrhosis
- Liver cancer support
- Transplant and recovery questions
Mark
Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis, Varices, and Transplant
Mark’s liver journey began with a sudden medical emergency that led to a diagnosis of Stage III liver cancer, cirrhosis, and esophageal varices. After a difficult road and a life-saving living donor transplant, he now offers honesty, hope, and encouragement to others facing transplant, cancer, and the uncertainty of what comes next.
Good fit for:
- Liver cancer support
- Cirrhosis and varices
- Transplant questions
- Living donor conversations
Nicole Lemmo
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease, Cirrhosis, End-Stage Liver Failure, and Transplant
Nicole is a liver transplant survivor whose journey reflects resilience and determination. After years of overlooked warning signs, she experienced a sudden decline in health, a late cirrhosis diagnosis, and end-stage liver failure requiring an urgent transplant. Today, she offers compassionate support and insight to those facing alcohol-related liver disease, cirrhosis, transplant uncertainty, or the feeling of being alone.
Good fit for:
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Cirrhosis support
- Transplant uncertainty
- Recovery and sobriety encouragement
Susan Horava
Lifestyle Support and Encouragement
Good fit for:
- Lifestyle change and habit building
- Nutrition, movement, and daily routines
- Stress management and emotional support
- Individuals feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start
Liver Disease Awareness &
Liver Disease Support Groups: Your Guide to Liver Health
At Liver Education Advocates, we are committed to offering clear and caring information about liver health. Our mission is to provide straightforward information and genuine support without confusion or jargon.
Understanding Your Liver
A healthy liver is vital for overall well-being. We provide practical insights on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help you manage liver conditions effectively. Our dedicated team works hard to spread liver disease awareness by sharing accurate details and real-life experiences that empower you to take control of your health.
Community Connection
Reliable and Down-to-Earth
We focus on providing reliable information in a casual tone that feels like talking with a friend. Whether you’re looking for guidance or a supportive community, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Join us as we continue our commitment to liver disease awareness and strengthen our network of Liver Disease Support Groups for everyone who needs a little extra care.
Together, we can make a positive impact on liver health, one conversation at a time. Your journey to better liver health starts here, with care and honest guidance.
Join us on Google Meets for Liver Disease Support Group meetings. Here is the current year schedule.
| January 7 | 7 PM ET |
|---|---|
| January 21 | 7 PM ET |
| February 4 | 7 PM ET |
| February 18 | 7 PM ET |
| March 4 | 7 PM ET |
| March 18 | 7 PM ET |
| April 1 | 7 PM ET |
| April 15 | 7 PM ET |
| May 6 | 7 PM ET |
| May 20 | 7 PM ET |
| June 3 | 7 PM ET |
| June 17 | 7 PM ET |
| July 1 | 7 PM ET |
| July 15 | 7 PM ET |
| August 5 | 7 PM ET |
| August 19 | 7 PM ET |
| September 2 | 7 PM ET |
| September 16 | 7 PM ET |
| October 7 | 7 PM ET |
| October 21 | 7 PM ET |
| November 4 | 7 PM ET |
| November 18 | 7 PM ET |
| December 2 | 7 PM ET |
| December 16 | 7 PM ET |
Learn about fatty liver disease, a typically asymptomatic condition that can lead to cirrhosis.
Discover strategies for preventing advanced liver disease, including lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and regular health check-ups.
Join our community efforts in raising awareness and supporting research for liver disease. Every contribution counts.
FAQs
Liver disease awareness highlights silent symptoms and risk factors, encouraging early medical consultation. It informs individuals to modify unhealthy lifestyles and undergo screenings. Awareness of liver health risks inspires active decision-making, which could prevent irreversible liver damage and ensure better long-term benefits.
Support groups offer emotional support, education, and mutual experiences, assisting patients and caregivers in dealing with diagnosis and treatment. They alleviate isolation, encourage compliance with medical recommendations, and provide coping skills. Going to liver disease support groups helps people in the community and improves mental health throughout their liver disease journey and also in recovery.