Bringing Young Adult Liver Health Awareness to Cambridge Memorial Hospital

During Liver Health Month, Vanessa Wojtala, Founder and President of Liver Awareness Foundation, was invited to speak to staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital about young adult liver health awareness and why earlier conversations around liver risk matter.

Vanessa presented “Transforming Lived Experience into Liver Health Advocacy,” sharing her lived experience with liver disease and how that experience helped shape the work and mission of Liver Awareness Foundation.

Starting Liver Health Conversations Earlier

Many liver conditions can develop quietly, sometimes without obvious symptoms in their early stages. For young adults, liver health may not become part of the conversation until a health concern arises or disease has already progressed.

Vanessa spoke to Cambridge Memorial Hospital staff about the importance of changing that.

From metabolic conditions and alcohol to medications, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver diseases, and other causes, liver disease can affect young adults for many different reasons.

Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations can help young people better understand liver health, recognize potential risks, and know when to speak with a healthcare provider.

Transforming Lived Experience Into Liver Health Advocacy

Vanessa’s presentation drew from her own experience with alcohol-associated liver disease, liver failure, and recovery, including what she did and did not understand about liver health before becoming seriously ill.

That experience ultimately helped shape Liver Awareness Foundation and its focus on reaching young adults with liver health information earlier.

Speaking directly with Cambridge Memorial Hospital staff provided an opportunity to share the perspective of someone who experienced severe liver disease and later built an organization focused on addressing the gaps in awareness she encountered firsthand.

Connecting With Cambridge Memorial Hospital Staff

The presentation created an opportunity for conversation around liver health, lived experience, stigma, and the importance of reaching younger generations before liver disease becomes advanced.

For Liver Awareness Foundation, engaging with healthcare professionals and hospital staff is an important part of building greater awareness around liver disease in young adults and sharing the perspective behind our work.

We thank Cambridge Memorial Hospital and its staff for the invitation and the opportunity to share our mission during Liver Health Month.

Mind Your Liver. It Needs You.®