March/April Newsletter
Hepatic Headlines
Texas Liver Foundation
Monthly Newsletter
March/April 2026
What’s New At TLF?
Our 5th Annual Texas Liver Walk was nothing short of extraordinary.
This year, our community showed up in a powerful way — not just for Texas Liver Foundation, but for each other. We shared stories, tears, laughter, and a whole lot of movement (including an unexpected and very joyful dance party led by our sponsors mid-walk!).
Together, we exceeded our goals and left the day feeling energized, connected, and more committed than ever to the fight against liver disease.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this event possible:
Presenting Sponsor: Mirum
Silver Sponsors: Key Energy Services, Madrigal, Texas Children’s Hospital, Gilead Sciences
Bronze Sponsor: Houston Methodist
Community Partner: Memorial Hermann
Food & Refreshment Sponsor: ICU Medical
Your support helps power every step we take — and every step our patients take toward better health and hope.
Photos from the walk will be coming soon, and we can’t wait to relive the memories with you!
From all of us at TLF, thank you for walking beside us. We are already looking forward to seeing you next year.
Story Of The Month
Ryan’s Second Chance
At the Texas Liver Foundation, we’re constantly reminded that behind every diagnosis is a story of resilience and second chances. This month, we’re honored to share Ryan’s journey — not only as a liver transplant recipient, but as someone who has given back to the liver community in a meaningful way.
Through his own generosity and a recent poker tournament fundraiser, Ryan is making it possible for us to revamp our adult Bravery Bags, bringing comfort and support to patients walking a path he knows all too well.
In his words:
Last year, I started feeling off. I would get sore easily, tire out quickly, and just didn’t feel like myself. I chalked it up to getting older… maybe being a little lazy. Friends noticed too, but I brushed it off.
Then one day, someone pointed out that I looked jaundiced. Another friend who is a nurse took a closer look and agreed something didn’t seem right. That’s when I finally decided to get blood work done. The results came back showing my sodium levels were dangerously low. Around that same time, I realized I couldn’t keep up with normal activities without feeling completely exhausted. That’s when I knew I needed to go to the hospital. I thought they’d run a few tests, fix the issue, and send me home.
Instead, I ended up staying for six days. After multiple tests and procedures, I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
From there, it became a cycle—hospital stays, procedures, low sodium, fluid restrictions. We thought we had things under control, but we didn’t.
As the months went on, things continued to get worse. My energy dropped, and my condition became more serious. Eventually, my doctor introduced me to something called a MELD score—a scale used to measure how severe liver disease is.
Mine was 34 at age 51.
At that point, it was clear I needed to be evaluated for a liver transplant. I’ll spare you every detail of the hospital stays, but here’s what still amazes me:
I checked into the hospital… and never left until I walked out with a brand new liver.
The teamwork, the doctors, the transplant team, and the power of prayer—it all came together in a way I still can’t fully explain. Somehow, I was listed and approved for transplant very quickly.
Everything went right.
They didn’t just save my life—they gave me a completely new perspective on it. There are too many people to thank, but my family and close friends were incredible through all of this. I know so many others were praying, checking in, and supporting me from a distance—and I felt that. And there is one family out there who made this possible. I hope one day I can thank them in person. God knows who they are.
My journey isn’t over—but I promise you this:
I will fight.
I will not give up.
For now… all is well.
Ryan’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change — and how hope, community, and access to care can make all the difference.
Because of supporters like Ryan, we’re able to expand programs like our Bravery Bags and continue showing up for patients and families across Texas.
Second chances are made possible by people who choose to give them forward.
SWAP of the Month
SWAP of the Month: Store-Bought Popsicles → DIY Frozen Treats
With school wrapping up and Texas heat getting ready to kick into high gear, popsicle season is officially here!
Many store-bought popsicles are packed with added sugars, artificial dyes, and ingredients we can’t pronounce but the good news is, there are simple, delicious swaps you can make at home.
Even better? They’re kid-approved and adult-approved.
In our house, banana pops have been a summer staple for years — they’re easy, affordable, and always a hit. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, we’ve got a “level up” option too!
Chocolate Banana Pops
Ingredients:
2–3 ripe bananas
½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Optional toppings: crushed nuts, shredded coconut, granola
Directions:
Peel bananas and cut in half. Insert a popsicle stick into each piece.
Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours.
(Optional) Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
Dip or drizzle frozen bananas with chocolate and add toppings if desired.
Freeze again for 10–15 minutes until set. Enjoy!
These freeze very well and can be enjoyed for a few days in a freezer bag. (In our house, they rarely make it more than a few days)
Tip: Want to keep it even simpler? Skip the chocolate altogether or just do a light drizzle — they’re just as delicious!
Original recipe: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/chocolate-covered-bananas/
Level Up: Coconut Mango Chia Popsicles
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen mango
1 cup canned coconut milk
2–3 tbsp chia seeds
1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
1 tsp lime juice (optional)
Directions:
Blend mango and coconut milk until smooth.
Stir in chia seeds and sweetener (if using).
Pour mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze for at least 4–6 hours or until solid.
Run molds under warm water to release and enjoy!
Original recipe: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/coconut-chia-mango-popsicles/
Whether you go for the quick and classic banana pop or try something new, these swaps are a fun way to cool down while being a little kinder to your liver (and your grocery budget!).
Tried this SWAP and loved (or hated) it? Have an idea for a SWAP that you’d like us to try? We’d love to hearabout it!
HEP Happenings
New FDA-Approved Treatment for PBC-Related Itching
There’s encouraging news for individuals living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
The FDA has approved a new medication, Lynavoy (linerixibat), to treat cholestatic pruritus — a persistent, often severe itching that affects up to 80–90% of people with PBC and can significantly impact quality of life.
This approval is especially meaningful because, until now, there has not been a medication specifically designed to treat this symptom.
Linerixibat works by targeting how bile acids are processed in the body. By blocking the reabsorption of bile acids in the intestine, it helps reduce the buildup of substances that are believed to trigger itching.
In clinical studies, patients taking linerixibat experienced significant improvements in itching and sleep disruption compared to those receiving a placebo.
While this treatment does not cure PBC, it represents an important step forward in helping patients better manage one of the disease’s most challenging symptoms.
Source: Read the full article
FACT OF THE MONTH
The liver contains cells called Kupffer cells, which can engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles.