“After my transplant, I knew how lucky I was,” says Gary. “If it wasn’t for the research that the CLF funds, I probably wouldn’t be here right now so I wanted to get involved to help raise awareness for this great cause.”

"To lose a child is tragic – to lose a child with no real warning, a child who had seemed in perfect health, poised on the threshold of a promising future, is even more heartrending".

To honour Trisha and to help others avoid their tragedy, the Nagpals decided to volunteer with the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) to help raise awareness, raise funds for research, and to encourage people to learn about the importance of liver health.

"I feel it is important to be involved with the Canadian Liver Foundation because as the mother of a sick child, I often feel powerless.” says Diana. “By raising awareness and funds, it gives me a feeling that I CAN do something to help! The more people who become aware that innocent children are affected by liver disease, the better."

“Before my diagnosis, I was like most people and didn’t know anything about liver disease,” says Kristen. “Through my experience, I realized I needed to speak up about this disease and help bring greater awareness and resources to people locally.
Kristen founded the CLF’s first chapter in Saint John, New Brunswick, to help generate greater understanding of liver disease, support those living with liver disease and raise funds for liver research.

"I volunteer as much as I can with the CLF." says Shelby. "There's so much awareness for cancer and heart disease but not so much for liver. I have something to give to help raise awareness so I'm going to try and do everything I can to do just that.”

“I believe that we define ourselves by what we do in life,” says Danielle. “For 10 years I was sick and my self-esteem and sense of self-worth really went downhill. Volunteering with the Canadian Liver Foundation gave me an opportunity to help others, meet new people and get involved in the world again.”

“I hope my volunteer work will help raise the awareness needed to change the course of the disease”, says Rosanne. “If liver disease has touched your family like mine, join the cause by volunteering, give a donation or simply educate yourself about how to take care of your liver. But don’t hesitate to get involved like I did,” she urges, “Do it today and your contributions will make a huge difference to your life and to the lives of others – I have seen this first-hand.”

“I consider myself very lucky,” says Dominic. “When I was diagnosed with hep B, I changed my lifestyle and I know that it was an important aspect of my healing process. Now, I am happy to help the Canadian Liver Foundation raise awareness about how important the liver is and that liver disease can affect anyone. People need to pay more attention to this vital organ.”

"Volunteering nourishes me inside," says Begonia. "It's like receiving chocolate and flowers – I know my work is helping others and that just makes me feel valued."

“The Canadian Liver Foundation invests in our future and because of this my husband is alive today,” says Angel. “Dr. Levy spends hours and hours of his time with his patients. He was the first doctor that saw me for my testing and has seen me faithfully through my entire live donor experience. He has inspired me to want to do more to help others. The Canadian Liver Foundation works to improve our future, which is why I felt so compelled to support such a worthy organization.”

“Through volunteering at the Canadian Liver Foundation, I was able to connect with other families who are coping with liver disease,” Elizabeth explains. “I am learning and helping others learn more about liver disease through the CLF’s community outreach, and through helping organize fundraising events. Raising money for liver research and education is so important. I just hope I can inspire others to do the same.”

“Volunteering for a cause you believe in is one of the most gratifying things you can do at any age. We spend so many hours on things that do not pay the same kind of dividends. Even registering as an organ donor is an important act of kindness,” Kathy says. “Think how much additional impact you can have helping an organization that hopes to catch the disease before it gets to that stage, through awareness and early testing.”

“I think the Canadian Liver Foundation does amazing work in supporting innovative research and educating the public. I am excited to volunteer for an organization that is deeply committed to helping communities across Canada.”

“Whether or not you are sick yourself or know someone affected, it is so important to participate,” says Angela. “I can honestly say that the CLF really appreciates all of the hard work that we all do. You can't help but feel the love. And the biggest benefit of all is the friends you will make and the family you never knew you had!”