UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot Initiative

UCSF and LifeRing Join Forces to Empower Liver Post-Transplant Patients

Exciting News! LifeRing is thrilled to unveil our groundbreaking partnership with UCSF Hospital!

In an innovative collaboration, UCSF Health and LifeRing have teamed up to launch the transformative UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot Community Meeting. This initiative is designed to support liver transplant patients on their post-operative journey, providing a vibrant and supportive community where they can connect, share experiences, and gain invaluable insights as they navigate their recovery together. With dedicated online meetings and additional support platforms, we are committed to fostering a safe space for open dialogue, ensuring that no one has to face their journey alone.

Pioneering a Patient-Centric Approach

Under the leadership of Dr. Courtney Sherman, Director of the UCSF HALT (Healing Alcohol-associated Liver disease Together) Clinic and Kathryn Horwath with UCSF Health,  this pioneering program introduces an exclusive online meeting tailored specifically for UCSF liver post-transplant patients. Inspired by LifeRing's successful The Liver Spot focus meeting for individuals with substance use disorder-related medical conditions, this new meeting offers a unique patient-to-patient perspective. In the New To You meeting, individuals can connect, share their experiences, and uplift one another through a collaborative support  model.

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LifeRing has been a lifesaver for SO many of my patients!
I am so grateful to this community for their incredible support!

Courtney Sherman, MD | UCSF Health
Director of the UCSF HALT (Healing Alcohol-associated Liver disease Together) Clinic

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Empowering the Post-Transplant Journey

At the core of the UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot initiative is a commitment to fostering an engaged and supportive community that empowers UCSF liver transplant clients. As participants navigate the complexities of the post-operative journey, they will discover resilience and camaraderie among their peers. This exclusive online meeting serves as a valuable complement to UCSF's liver post-transplant meetings, providing an additional confidential and nurturing space for patient-to-patient discussions and mutual support.

By creating an environment where individuals can share their experiences and challenges, the initiative aims to enhance the overall well-being of liver transplant recipients, ensuring they feel connected and supported throughout their recovery process.

Fostering Resilience and Community

Through this transformative collaboration, UCSF and LifeRing are committed to enhancing the post-transplant journey for liver transplant patients. By providing a dedicated platform for connection, sharing, and mutual support, the UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot meeting cultivates a strong sense of community spirit. Together, we empower individuals to overcome the challenges they may face on their road to recovery.

This innovative partnership between UCSF and LifeRing Secular Recovery stands as a testament to our shared commitment to improving the well-being and quality of life for those in recovery. As we celebrate this exciting new chapter, we eagerly look forward to the positive impact this dynamic community will have on the lives of those we serve.

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The Liver Spot Community: Connection, Understanding, and Shared Strength

When facing the complexities of addiction-related medical conditions, the greatest breakthroughs often come not from a doctor's chart, but from a peer's experience. The Liver Spot Community is a specialized network of LifeRing focus meetings built on the "How Was Your Week" check-in format. These meetings are tailored specifically for those navigating the intersection of substance use disorder (SUD) recovery and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) clinical care. We provide a collaborative space where people with serious health challenges can master the balancing act of clinical recovery and long-term sobriety as they navigate their way to a resilient, sustainable lifestyle. Join us!

Whether you are in the early stages of a diagnosis, navigating the transplant list, or managing long-term recovery, there is a Spot waiting for you. We learn from each other's experiences so that none of us has to figure it out alone.
 
Finding Your People

The Liver Spot started with a simple idea: People living with SUD-related medical conditions have a unique kind of perspective to offer one another. As we’ve grown, we’ve created specialized spaces so you can connect with peers who truly understand your specific journey:

• The Liver Spot  — The meeting that started it all. Known for its high-energy, "all-in" vibe, this meeting is a space where we trade insights and encouragement about the realities of living with medical conditions in recovery.
  Wednesdays at 5:30pm Pacific | Learn more and click to join:  The Liver Spot
• Post-Transplant Liver Spot — A specialized circle for transplant recipients. Life after a transplant comes with its own set of intricacies. This exclusive meeting offers a dedicated space for transplant recipients to connect with others who have walked that same path.
  Tuesdays at 5:30pm Pacific | Learn more and click to join: The Post-Transplant Liver Spot
• The Liver Spot | XYZ — Our newest Liver Spot for the next generation. Tailored for the younger generation, , this meeting is all about building a community where health and sobriety thrive together. It’s a space to connect with peers who prove that navigating your medical journey can be an empowering and shared experience.
  Fridays at 5:30pm Pacific | Learn more and click to join:  The Liver Spot | XYZ

The Liver Spot, The Liver Spot | XYZ, and the The Post-Transplant Liver Spot are more than just meetings — they are powerful, thriving lifelines where individuals find unmatched peer support. We are dedicated to the simple and profound idea that the best guidance and deepest understanding often come from someone who has authentically walked the same path.

While the medical realities we discuss can be grim, the feeling of the community is anything but. This is a place for honest sharing, deep camaraderie, and finding  hope built on shared, lived experience.

Never Walk This Path Alone | We're Right Here With You!

Don't walk this path alone. Join the community where your health journey is understood from the inside out. Whether you're navigating the complex process of getting waitlisted or managing life years after a transplant The Liver Spot Community is here to foster the resilience and community spirit you need to thrive.

For more information about this unique and powerful recovery community, please reach out to Sue Betts | [email protected]

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Additional LifeRing Recovery Empowerment Resources

LifeRing recovery empowerment resources provide 100% peer-led services for individuals seeking support to overcome addiction while promoting their mental health. By fostering non-judgmental spaces, LifeRing meetings encourage open dialogue and shared experiences, allowing participants to connect with others who understand their challenges. This sense of belonging can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and supporting maintained sobriety. Additionally, LifeRing's focus on personal empowerment and self-directed recovery helps individuals build resilience, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a positive mindset, ultimately enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life.

LifeRing Local Meetings - LifeRing in-person meetings are a warm and welcoming space where you can share your experiences and challenges without judgment. Here, you'll connect with others on the same journey, finding the peer support and accountability you need to stay focused on your sobriety goals. You'll also discover valuable resources and strategies to help you thrive. Join us in building a vibrant community that celebrates sobriety as a shared journey, enriched by the experiences of everyone involved!

LifeRing Online Meetings - LifeRing online meetings provide a friendly and accessible space where you can share your experiences and challenges without fear of judgment from the comfort of your own home. In these virtual gatherings, you'll connect with others on a similar journey, gaining valuable peer support and accountability to help you stay committed to your sobriety goals. You'll also discover practical resources and strategies to navigate your path effectively. Join us in creating a supportive online community that celebrates sobriety as a shared journey, enriched by the diverse experiences of all participants!

LifeRing eGroups - Our subscriber-based email groups are a safe haven for you to connect and share with others on your recovery exploration. Joining is simple and straightforward-don't worry if it seems a bit daunting at first! To maintain your privacy, just click on the group name to visit the group website and hit the "Join this Group" button, or send a quick email to the group convenor requesting to be added. Approval is mostly a formality, and as long as you're a genuine person (not a spammer!), you'll be welcomed with open arms. Come join us and start building meaningful connections today!

LifeRing ePals - New to sobriety or LifeRing?  Not sure about joining a group? There are LifeRing members who can lend a private ear and answer questions via email. If the chats and forum are a bit too intimidating right now, this might be a way of getting the information you need.

 

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You can support LifeRing initiatives like this with your one-time or monthly donations.
Thank you!