About
The 50th Anniversary National Legacy Gala recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the American Liver Foundation (ALF) and the liver community.
The gala will host patients, families, medical professionals, organizational partners, thought leaders, business visionaries in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and corporations dedicated to helping people affected by liver disease. The evening includes a networking cocktail reception with a unique silent auction, a three-course plated dinner, an exciting live auction and a memorable awards ceremony in honor of our three awardees.
Funds raised through the 50th Anniversary National Legacy Gala benefit the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease through resources, education and support services and help advance research and our patient advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
Gala Chair
Samantha Kellner
Samantha Kellner brings a deeply personal connection to ALF’s mission, shaped by her son Raphael’s lifesaving liver transplant as an infant after a diagnosis of biliary atresia. Inspired by their family’s journey, Samantha and her family established the Kellner Pediatric Liver Foundation and have remained dedicated advocates for children and families affected by liver disease. Their commitment has included supporting ALF initiatives such as Bili the Brave™ and empowering patients through education, resources, and community. Join us in celebrating Samantha as our 2026 Gala Chair and learn more about the remarkable journey that continues to inspire hope for families affected by liver disease. Click here to learn more.
2026 Award Recipients
Transplant Legacy Award, UPMC
For nearly 30 years, UPMC has been a steadfast partner to the American Liver Foundation, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to our shared mission through both leadership and generosity. As one of the nation’s premier transplant centers and a pioneer in the field of solid organ transplantation, UPMC has performed more than 20,000 organ transplant procedures and continues to advance lifesaving care for patients facing the most complex liver diseases. Beyond its clinical excellence, UPMC’s longstanding support of ALF has helped drive critical patient education, advocacy, research, and support services that improve lives and offer hope to countless individuals and families affected by liver disease. Join us in celebrating UPMC as the recipient of the 2026 Transplant Legacy Award.
Patient Impact Award, AstraZeneca
As a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, AstraZeneca is committed to transforming patient outcomes through groundbreaking advances in medicine. Its therapies reach millions of patients in more than 125 countries, addressing some of the world’s most complex health challenges. Through its visionary support of Think Liver Think Life®, AstraZeneca has helped expand awareness, education, and access to vital liver health resources nationwide. We are honored to celebrate AstraZeneca’s partnership and its lasting contributions to improving liver health outcomes. Join us in celebrating AstraZeneca as the recipient of the 2026 Patient Impact Award.
Leadership Award, Arun Sanyal, MD
Professor Director, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health School of Medicine Internal Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University
A pioneer in liver disease research, Dr. Arun J. Sanyal has shaped the global approach to understanding and treating NAFLD and NASH (now known as MASLD and MASH). As one of the world’s foremost experts in the field, his leadership and innovation have driven meaningful progress for patients and families. Dr. Sanyal is Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Molecular Pathology in the Division of Gastroenterology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and serves as Director of the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health. We are honored to recognize Dr. Sanyal with the 2026 National Legacy Gala Leadership Award.ALF Leadership Award for Public Service
Frank A. Anania, MD, FAASLD
Director, Division of Hepatology and Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Jay H. Hoofnagle, MD, FAASLD
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases