About
The 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 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
Richard J. Miller Jr., Esq.
Liver Transplant recipient and board member/advocate for American Liver Foundation.
Learn more about Richard’s journey here.
Honorary Committee Chair
Constance Deneweth
Board member and advocate for American Liver Foundation
Learn more about Constance’s connection here.
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.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)
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.