Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association will host a free, in-person HCC Lunch & Learn on October 24, 2026, at the University of Chicago Medicine in the Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery Auditorium. The event, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with doors opening at 9:30 a.m., is designed to provide critical education about liver health, liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
The significance of this event extends beyond a single gathering. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and many of its major risk factors are tied to chronic liver disease. By bringing together patients, caregivers, and individuals at risk for liver cancer, Blue Faery aims to address a critical gap in awareness that often leads to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. The event is developed in collaboration with liver cancer experts and covers prevention, early detection, treatment options, and support resources.
"Knowledge can change outcomes—everyone deserves clear, trusted information and support when facing liver cancer," said Andrea Wilson Woods, Founder and President of Blue Faery. That philosophy underscores the importance of direct patient education. In a landscape where liver cancer incidence is rising and many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, community-based interventions like this can empower individuals to recognize symptoms, understand their risk, and seek timely care.
The HCC Lunch & Learn will feature discussions on liver disease and HCC risk factors and symptoms, prevention and early detection, current treatment options, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and resources for patients and caregivers. A catered lunch and complimentary parking with validation will be provided. Attendees must bring their parking ticket inside for validation. Due to the serious nature of the topics, attendees must be at least 16 years old, and each attendee must register separately. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
This event is part of Blue Faery's broader mission to prevent, treat, and cure primary liver cancer through research, education, and advocacy. The organization also hosts an online Liver Cancer Community for patients and caregivers, and provides free comprehensive patient education through its Patient Resource Guides. For those interested in attending the Chicago event, more information and registration are available at https://www.bluefaery.org/hcc-lunch-learn.
Implications of this announcement are clear: as liver cancer continues to pose a significant health threat, especially among populations with chronic liver conditions, accessible education is a vital tool. By equipping patients and caregivers with knowledge about risk factors, screening, and treatment, Blue Faery's initiative may help improve early detection rates and ultimately save lives. The event also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and support networks, which are often underutilized but essential for comprehensive cancer management.
