“Young Valley man advocates for others with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)” from ABC15News in Phoenix, Arizona, including a 3 minute video.
Turning a Liver Disease Diagnosis & Family History Into Advocacy
When Ben was just 12 years old, a routine blood test revealed something alarming that would change his life forever. “It really just came up in a bloodwork panel my doctor ordered,” Ben recalls. “These enzymes in my liver were really elevated, far beyond what a 12-year-old should be experiencing.”
That unexpected discovery led to a liver disease diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that affects nearly 25% of U.S. adults according to the American Heart Association. What makes NAFLD particularly dangerous is that it often shows no symptoms, leaving many people unaware they have it until routine testing reveals the problem.
Now a young adult living in the Phoenix Valley, Ben has been managing his condition for nearly half his life. Rather than keeping his health struggles private, he’s chosen to become a public advocate, speaking openly about NAFLD to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding liver disease diagnosis in young people.
Ben’s motivation runs deeper than his own experience. His grandfather on his mother’s side also had NAFLD and tragically died in his 40s. “I don’t want other families to go through what we went through,” he explains.
The stakes are genuinely high for young people with NAFLD. Without proper lifestyle changes or medical treatment, the disease can progress rapidly. Ben points out that some patients may need a liver transplant by age 18 if the condition isn’t properly managed. This sobering reality underscores why early detection and intervention are so critical.
New Medication for Liver Patients
Ben’s advocacy efforts recently gained national attention when his story was featured on Good Morning America. The segment highlighted not only his personal journey, but also an exciting development in NAFLD treatment. He appeared alongside his doctor to discuss Rezdiffra, a new medication from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals that recently received FDA approval.
Rezdiffra represents a significant milestone in liver disease treatment: it’s the first FDA-approved drug specifically designed to treat liver scarring caused by fatty liver disease. For patients like Ben and millions of others living with NAFLD, this new treatment option offers hope for better outcomes and potentially avoiding more serious complications.
The timing of this medical breakthrough is particularly meaningful for Ben, who has spent years navigating a condition that many people don’t understand or even know exists. Through his public speaking and media appearances, he’s working to change that by educating others about the warning signs, risk factors, and available treatments for NAFLD.
Ben’s story serves as a powerful reminder that serious health conditions can affect people of any age, often without obvious symptoms. His journey from a surprised 12-year-old patient to a confident young advocate demonstrates how personal challenges can be transformed into opportunities to help others.
As new treatments like a new FDA-approved drug from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals called Rezdiffra become available, Ben continues his mission to ensure that other young people and families know about NAFLD, understand its risks, and feel empowered to seek proper medical care. His work emphasizes that a liver disease diagnosis doesn’t have to define someone’s future. With proper management and advocacy, patients can live full, meaningful lives while helping others navigate similar challenges.
The Net Net
| Point | Impact |
|---|---|
| NAFLD Awareness | High prevalence but low awareness—often asymptomatic |
| Personal Advocacy | Ben’s story humanizes the condition and offers hope |
| Medical Progress | New treatment option brings renewed optimism |