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.
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
Dr. Frank A. Anania, MD, FAASLD
Director, Division of Hepatology and Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Dr. Jay H. Hoofnagle, MD, FAASLD
NIH, NIDDK
2025 Award Recipients
Leadership Award, Benjamin Samstein, MD
Professor of Surgery Chief of Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medicine
Dr. Benjamin Samstein is deeply admired for his clinical expertise, innovative contributions to advancing the field of living donor liver transplantation, and dedication to improving the lives of liver patients everywhere.
Lifetime Achievement Award, Ronald J. Sokol, MD, FAASLD
Chief Scientific Officer, Child Health, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Univ. of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus CU Distinguished Professor Pediatric GI, Hepatology and Nutrition, Anschutz Medical Campus Bruce and Bev Wagner Family Endowed Chair in Child Health Research Associate Dean for Child Health Research, CU School of Medicine Director, Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Assistant Vice Chancellor for Clinical and Translational Science, CU Denver
Dr. Ronald J. Sokol is a pioneer in pediatric liver care and research, dedicating his life to improving the health and well-being of children with liver diseases and has led groundbreaking research in childhood liver diseases for decades.
Innovator Award, Rebecca Taub, MD
Founder, Senior Scientific and Medical Advisor, Madrigal
Dr. Rebecca Taub is a physician-scientist and founder of Madrigal, whose visionary research helped shape a groundbreaking therapeutic approach in liver disease. With more than 25 years of leadership in drug development and a career spanning academia and industry, Dr. Taub has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and patient-focused progress. Her early work laid the foundation for one of the most significant advances in liver disease treatment in recent years, and her continued leadership has helped guide Madrigal’s growth and mission.