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Mark Selkirk was admitted to Toronto General Hospital suffering from acute liver failure caused by alcohol use disorder. He was denied access to a liver transplant because he was not alcohol-free for six months. He died 17 days later, on November 24, 2010.

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Debra Selkirk, his wife, filed a constitutional challenge against the 6-month wait on October 28, 2015. As a direct result of her court process, Ontario will launch a three-year pilot program in 2018, assessing all patients with alcohol-associated liver disease without any period of sobriety.

 

The Selkirk Liver Society was launched in October 2017 to continue to formally support and advocate for alcohol-associated liver disease.

History of

the society

OUR VISION

ENCOURAGE BEST MEDICINE

Influence change within Canada’s medical community toward a more proactive, holistic treatment approach for patients with liver disease caused by alcohol use disorder

RESHAPE PERCEPTION

Reshape public perception of persons living with alcohol use disorder 

GIVE A HAND UP

Facilitate psychosocial requirements for transplant approval and post-transplant success

ENCOURAGE 

BEST MEDICINE

HOLISTIC TREATMENT

We are working to promote a holistic treatment program that includes these professionals:

  • hepatologist: to treat liver disease;

  • addictions specialist: to treat underlying alcohol use disorder;

  • registered dietitian: to ensure patient understands how diet impacts liver health; and,

  • nurse practitioner: to educate patient about progression of liver cirrhosis.  

ADDICTION TREATMENT

We are working to influence change in the medical community with enhanced training in addiction and its acceptance as a treatable disease. 

EDUCATION

We are creating educational materials to ensure patients with liver disease are well-informed about their disease and their treatment. 

SHIFT MEDIA PORTRAYAL

Sensitive and appropriate language in the media will lessen the stigma attached to alcohol-associated liver disease. 

RESHAPE PUBLIC PERCEPTION

We are cultivating a new way of looking at people living with alcohol use disorder, instilling the idea that no one chooses a life with addiction.

RESHAPE

PERCEPTION

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GIVE A

HAND UP

FACILITATE LIFE CONDITIONS

We are striving to ensure access to the waitlist for persons with alcohol associated liver disease by facilitating absent life conditions and relationships. 

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