50 years of bringing liver research to life
50 years of bringing liver research to life for all Canadians
It’s likely you’ve heard this scenario before. A small number of passionate and determined people join together and are driven to make a meaningful change in the world around them. That is the formula that sparked the creation of the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) 50 years ago.
Back in 1969, hepatology was not a recognized field of study, and many of the most prevalent types of liver disease had not even been identified. If you had liver disease, it was very likely that you would go undiagnosed. Few diagnostic tests existed; there were no CT cans, MRIs or even ultrasounds. Additionally, there were almost no effective treatments.
Our forward-thinking founders established the CLF as the first organization in the world dedicated to funding research and education into all forms of liver disease. 50 years later, our efforts have led to breakthroughs in liver research, changes in health policy, on-going education for hepatologists, and free support services for patients and caregivers in need.
Throughout this celebration of 50 years, we want to thank our past and current volunteer family and invite you to join us on the forefront of change for the next 50 years to come.
From now until the end of you the year, we will be sharing with you treasures of our history and memorable moments that have led us to where we are today. Please visit this page regularly to learn more about the great achievements we have accomplished thanks to you.
50th Anniversary Video
Thank you to each and every person who shared their 50th anniversary wishes with us! Hearing from our supporters was truly a touching gift!
Thank you for your support!
Timeline
Testimonials
Awards
Gallery
Videos / PSAs
50 years of bringing liver research to life
The Canadian Liver Foundation Opens Its Doors
In the beginning; 50 years of bringing liver research to life for all Canadians Over the last 50 years, there has been significant progress into the prevention, treatment and discovery of cures for liver diseases. From humble beginnings, such as attempting to understand how the liver functions, every discovery made..Read More
The first CLF Summer Studentship is awarded to future world-renowned liver specialist, Gary Levy
Investing in the future of liver researchers If one individual is living proof of the Canadian Liver Foundation’s (CLF) ability to invest in inspiring young medical students, it is surely Dr. Gary Levy, former director of the Multi-Organ Transplant Program at the University Health Network (UHN). Having already expressed a..Read More
Established the CLF-CASL Gold Medal Award
The Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) was the first organization in the world committed to promoting liver health and fighting liver disease through research and education. Recognizing the need to honour outstanding achievements in research and science, the CLF established the Gold Medal Award in 1983, and it is now co-presented..Read More
The First CLF Chapter Outside Of Toronto Is Chartered In Calgary, AB.
The First CLF Chapter in Calgary, AB The first of (what would become many) local chapters of the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) was formed in Calgary in July of 1986 by concerned parents and friends showing support to their loved one, Annette Martin. Annette sadly lost her son Craig due..Read More
Established the CASL-CLF Sass-Kortsak Award
The CASL-CLF Sass-Kortsak Award It takes a special person with kindness, compassion and sensitivity to provide care for children living with liver disease. By all accounts, this was the kind of man Dr. Andrew Sass-Kortsak was through and through. A world-renowned expert on Wilson’s disease, Dr. Sass-Kortsak of the Hospital..Read More
Successfully advocated for universal immunization programs for hepatitis B
Advocating for Prevention—Universal Immunization for Hepatitis B On Christmas Day 1989, a Langley, B.C mother lost her 16-year-old daughter to acute hepatitis B. When she learned that there was a vaccine available that could have saved her daughter’s life, Bobbi Bower launched a campaign for universal immunization in Vancouver and..Read More
Launched the world’s first Living with Liver Disease education and support program
Living with Liver Disease: A Support Program to Help Canadians Cope When you or someone you love is diagnosed with a liver disease, many questions and emotions may arise that can quickly become overwhelming. Over its 50-year history, the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) has been helping patients and their families..Read More
Initiated a hepatitis C prevention, education and awareness program as Health Canada’s partner of choice in all liver health matters
Advancing the Conversation on Hepatitis C After Hepatitis C was discovered and identified as a liver disease in 1989, it quickly became apparent how significantly it impacted Canadians. Many were unaware they had the disease or that they had been living with it for years undiagnosed. There was a surge..Read More
Please visit this section again soon to read more about the great achievements we have accomplished, new articles will be added regularly.
At CLF we depend upon volunteers to make our programs, events and other activities possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our online form.
From our valued volunteers.
For more information about volunteering with the Canadian Liver Foundation and to make your mark against the fight against liver disease, click here.
CLF 50th Anniversary Recognition Medal
With your help, we have funded over $35 million in liver research. We have also been able to reach out to millions of Canadians across the country with awareness and education messages, and we have been able to touch the hearts of those affected by liver disease with our support programs.
But, all of this wasn’t accomplished because of any one individual in particular; our success over the years is a collective result of the efforts of many people: our dedicated and hardworking volunteers, kind-hearted donors who have contributed generously, researchers and doctors who have helped advance science, and committee members who have shared their knowledge in communities across the country to name a few.
The Canadian Liver Foundation would like to recognize and honour these individuals by presenting them with a ‘50th Anniversary Recognition Medal’. Throughout this celebration of 50 years, we want to thank our past and current supporter family and invite you to join us on the forefront of change for the next 50 years to come.
Alberta
- Dr. Robert Bailey
- Dr. Vincent Bain
- Dr. Kelly Burak
- Dr. Diane Cox
- Dr. Michael Houghton
- Dr. Norman Kneteman
- Kwan Family
- Dr. Samuel Lee
- Dr. Diana Mager
- Diana McIntyre
- Carrie Paxon
- Dr. James Shapiro
- Stephen Sheridan
- Dr. Mark Swain
- Dr. Lorne Tyrrell
- Vo Family
- Lori Wilhelm
- Don Wishart
British Columbia
- Dr. Stephen Chung
- Dr. Jo-Ann Ford
- Hunter Gordon
- Dr. Francis Ho
- Dr. Stephen Ho
- Dr. Trana Hussaini
- Dr. Mel Krajden
- Dr. Peter Kwan
- Sonny Leong
- Dr. Richard Schreiber
- Scotiabank
- Dr. Charles Scudamore
- Dr. Ed Tam
- Robert Wilson
- Dr. Eric Yoshida
Manitoba
- Cross Family
- Dr. Kelly Kaita
- Dr. Gerald Minuk
- Dr. Eberhard Renner
- Dr. Steven Wong
New Brunswick
- Wes Armour
- Linda Lawrence
- Therese Quinlan
- Gary Trainor
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Dr. Thomas Michalak
Nova Scotia
- April Findlay
- Cathy Meekins
- Dale O’Connor
- Anne Peltekian
- Dr. Kevork Peltekian
- Dr. Eve Roberts
- Leonard Stacey
- Samantha Warshick
Ontario
- Dr. Paul Adams
- Michael Betel
- Dr. Franklin Bialystok
- Mortimer Bistrisky (Honour Role)
- Stan Buda (Honour Role)
- Dr. Luke Chan
- Pascale Cloutier
- Andrew Cumming
- Valerie Davey
- Frank Duffy
- Dr. Victor Feinman
Ontario
- Dr. Jordan Feld
- Dr. Woody Fisher (Extraordinary award)
- Galego Family
- Sgt. Lance Gibson
- Sandra Hall
- Dr. Jenny Heathcote
- Roger Hunter
- Elliott Jacobson
- Pamela Johnston
- Dr. Gary Levy
- Dr. Simon Ling
- Don & Annette Martin
- Susan McCabe
- Hailey Millman
- Nelson Millman
- Robert Morin
- Nagpal Family
- O’Byrne Family
- Michael Phelan
- Denise Proulx
- Dr. Andrew Sass-Kortsak (Honour Role)
- Dr. Morris Sherman
- Colina Yim
Quebec
- Nicole Barry
- Dr. Marc Bilodeau
- Lousie Daingneault
- Dr. Marc Deschênes
- Andrée Gagné
- Dr. Carl Goresky
- Jacqueline Huet
- Dr. Pierre-Michel Huet (Honour Role)
- Fernande Larochelle
- Patrick Leblond
- Claude & Christianne Legault – Girard
- Dr. Christopher Rose
- Dr. Naglaa Shoukry
- Dr. Jean-Pierre Villeneuve
- Dr. Bernard Willems
- Dr. Philip Wong
- Paulette Zabaleta
Saskatchewan
- Brian Kusisto
- Ken Sexton (Honour Role)
Photo Gallery
If you are interested in sharing your time and talents as a volunteer for the Canadian Liver Foundation, please click here.
Videos & Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
50 years have brought positive changes to the face of liver disease, but there is still so much more to be accomplished. We’re confident that our next 50 years will be as exciting as the last and we’re even more excited to think that you might join the CLF’s growing volunteer team and be a part of our shared history.
