Maranda Curtis Joins Forces With The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association To Fight Liver Cancer
Award-winning gospel and worship singer-songwriter Maranda Curtis lends her voice to promote the prevention of liver cancer in the African American community. The acclaimed music artist has partnered with Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association to create a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign and live cast with medical doctors and experts on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 pm ET in partnership with the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) for faith-based communities titled âLove Your Liver.â The campaign and live cast aims to educate about the importance of liver cancer screenings, which can help at-risk populations catch and treat cancer in its early stages.
Within the African American community, liver cancer is far more lethal than it is for the U.S. population. In fact, in 2019, chronic liver disease was the eighth leading cause of death for non-Hispanic black people ages 45-64. Often, liver cancer develops due to Hepatitis C, which is twice as prevalent in the Black community compared to the general population. Hepatitis C is the leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer in U.S. adults. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered that earlier interventions can make all the difference in saving lives.
âIâm proud to lend my voice to the âLove Your Liverâ campaign to encourage African Americans to remain diligent when it comes to liver cancer screenings,â said Curtis. âI am thankful to the Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association for the opportunity to promote a cause that is critical to the wellbeing of the African American community.â
Since launching 20 years ago, Blue Faeryâs mission has been to prevent, treat and cure primary liver cancer, specifically HCC, through research, education, and advocacy. Andrea Wilson Woods, founder and president of the nonprofit established the organization in memory of her sister, Adrienne, who died from stage IV liver cancer at age 15. One of the organizationâs core goals is to help educate people about liver cancer risk factors and encourage early detection.
âOver the past several years, scientific research has shown how important early detection is for those suffering from liver disease or cancer. With liver cancer targeting the African American community more aggressively, itâs even more critical that this community receive regular screenings,â said Woods. âWe are so grateful to Maranda for her partnership on the âLove Your Liverâ campaign and are confident that her help with this effort will save lives.â
Maranda released her first single in 2012 and has continued to grow her fan base over the past decade with her faith-based hits. Her powerful new album DIE TO LIVE will be released on February 18, 2022.
For more information about the Love Your Liver campaign, go to https://loveyourliver.us . To learn about Maranda Curtisâ life and music, visit https://www.iammaranda.com/.
The Love Your Liver Campaign is supported by Eisai, Exelixis, Merck, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Genentech.