Saving lives and improving the quality of lives affected by liver disease: That's the purpose of the American Liver Foundation. 

Its methods: Information, encouragement, and support for research.

The Wellness Seminar given every September in San Diego has provided information and training for professionals for years.  For people like me, whose lives have been drastically altered by liver problems, they have provided support, contacts, information, clarity and hope.

The doctors and other health professionals, the patients and caregivers, the survivors and the bereaved, the social workers and community organizers, form a community that works toward prevention and treatment.  Along the way, they manage to have fun.  Any local chapter has fundraisers such as walks, replete with smiles and balloons.  Lots and lots of balloons.