As we reflect upon another year gone by, all of us at the Asian Liver Center are filled with joy and gratitude for the countless friends in the community who help us realize our vision each day. Since its establishment in 1996, the Asian Liver Center (ALC) has become a national and international leader in the fight against hepatitis B and liver cancer. With the help of a strong network of hundreds of governmental and nongovernmental agencies, state and federal legislators, private corporations and foundations, and community partners, the ALC has forged new ground in outreach, education, advocacy, and research for the global eradication of hepatitis B and liver cancer.

The ALC prides itself on being a center of many firsts, and 2007 is no exception. April saw the launch of San Francisco Hepatitis B Free, which unites local health care providers and legislators in an ambitious effort to screen and vaccinate all Asian and Pacific Islander community members. SF Hep B Free has already received nationwide attention, and we believe that it will spearhead a movement to revolutionize hepatitis B treatment and awareness during its two-year tenure.

Not only has the ALC placed an increased emphasis on our community programs, we have significantly expanded the scope of our international efforts. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the Qinghai project in rural China has begun its sophomore year. This time, we pledge to vaccinate 500,000 children in this uniquely disadvantaged province between September 2007 and May 2008.

The New Year marks the 13th Anniversary of the Asian Liver Center, as well as another year for even more firsts. Projects for the coming year include perinatal HBV prevention and adult vaccination initiatives in Santa Clara county, the 3rd and biggest LIVERight, and the kick-off of a brand new website.

As we celebrate the New Year, we look back with pride and thanks for a rich past while continuing to create new landmarks in outreach and education. From the depths of our hearts, we thank all of you for your support along the way. With your faithful help in promoting our many programs, we move closer to our ultimate goal of eliminating hepatitis B and liver cancer worldwide.

From our ALC family to yours, warmest wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year!

Sincerely,
Samuel So, MD, FACS
Director, Asian Liver Center
Director, Liver Cancer Program
The Lui Hac Minh Professor of Surgery
Stanford University School of Medicine

Last Updated: February 5, 2008