October | November Newsletter
Hepatic Headlines
Texas Liver Foundation
Monthly Newsletter
October | November 2026
What’s New At TLF?
Fall programming is in full swing!
We LOVE connecting with our community, and in October, we did so through three outreach and education events, including two Halloween Health Fairs with Pasadena ISD. Between the costumes and conversations, we’ve had so much fun helping families learn about liver health—with a little seasonal fun along the way!
Also in October, we were given the opportunity to speak at Community Liver Alliance’s National Liver Gathering, sharing some perspective about the need for continued support for donors after living liver donation. It was an amazing event, full of fantastic information and network building. We can’t wait for next year!
We’ve also been growing our leadership and are delighted to welcome three new members to the Texas Liver Foundation Board of Directors!
Tamneet Basra, MD, a transplant hepatologist and gastroenterologist who serves as Medical Director of the Living Donor Liver Transplant Program at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Jennifer Chaloupka, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, who brings extensive experience in the liver and rare disease communities, supporting education, awareness, and access to treatment.
Ann-Marie Tcholakian, Phoenicia Specialty Foods, who brings expertise in marketing, business management, and strategic planning, along with a personal connection to pediatric liver disease. She and her husband, James, have supported TLF since its inception.
We’re grateful for their commitment and excited for the perspectives each brings to our work!
Story Of The Month
Fall In Love With Your Liver!
Join us for the second annual Clear Lake Liver Walk, presented by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, on November 14 from 9–11 a.m. at Clear Lake Park!
This free, family-friendly event brings our community together for a morning of movement, connection, and fall fun—all while celebrating liver health. We’d love to see you there!
Want an exclusive event tee? The first 50 people to donate $50 by November 4 will receive one. Registration is free, and donations help support TLF’s education, early detection, and patient support programs. Click below to learn more and register!
SWAP of the Month
SWAP of the Month: Halloween Treats that Won’t Trick Your Liver!
As you’re packing you “cauldron of treats” for visiting trick or treaters this weekend, remember that you don’t have to fill it up with sugary treats. Each year, we make sure there are plenty of non-candy items in our treasure trove of spooky treats and they are always a hit!
We like to include things like pretzels, cheese balls snacks, popcorn, erasers, bubbles, toys, and glow sticks. There are loads of inexpensive options that will THRILL the ghouls and goblins that come to your door.
We found this article that has 40 ideas for non-candy trick or treat items. Give the kids (and their livers) a break from the rush of sugar this year on Halloween. Their parents and their bodies will thank you.
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 hear about it!
FACT OF THE MONTH
The liver and brain engage in a distinct metabolic dialogue, leading to the coinage of the new term “liver–brain axis.“