FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September is PBC Awareness Month: Global and U.S. Events to Unite and Empower People Affected by Rare Liver Disease
Chicago, August 1, 2025 — This September, the Friends of the PBC Foundation, NFP is proud to join the global PBC community in recognizing Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Awareness Month, a time to raise national and international awareness about this rare autoimmune liver disease that impacts more than 130,000 individuals in the United States alone. The campaign culminates on September 14, 2025, International PBC Awareness Day, under this year’s powerful theme: “You Are Not Alone.”
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare and progressive autoimmune liver disease that affects the small bile ducts within the liver. PBC predominantly affects women, but men and disadvantaged communities can often be underdiagnosed or overlooked. Without early diagnosis and treatment, PBC can cause cirrhosis and liver failure, leading to liver transplant. People with PBC can live full and meaningful lives when they have proper connection, education, and advocacy. Raising awareness about PBC is the first step in ensuring that patients get the support they need.
“This month, we honor the courage of people living with PBC and call on communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take action,” says L. Marie Asad, Founding Board Member and President of the Friends of the PBC Foundation. “The two days I remember most on my PBC journey are the day I was diagnosed, and the day I met someone else living with this disease. Connection changes everything. That’s why we’re here – to make sure no one faces PBC alone.”
In celebration of this year’s PBC Awareness Month theme, “You Are Not Alone,” both the global PBC Foundation and the Friends of the PBC Foundation are hosting major events to bring the PBC community together.
The Friends of the PBC Foundation is hosting their first U.S. PBC Patient Conference this September 19–21, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. This in-person event will bring together patients, families, health care professionals, and industry leaders to share knowledge, build community, and drive forward advocacy. You can learn more about the conference events and register here: https://www.2025USPBCPatientConference.eventbrite.com
Annually, the PBC Foundation hosts a Patient Conference in the United Kingdom. This year’s 2025 Patient Conference is taking place in Edinburgh from September 13-14th. The conference will feature clinical updates, practical patient advice, healthcare provider-led sessions, and more.
Robert Mitchell-Thain, CEO of the global patient support group, the PBC Foundation, emphasizes, “PBC Awareness Month is not just about recognition—it’s about action. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that support saves lives. This year’s message, ‘You Are Not Alone,’ is a call to patients, families, and allies everywhere: come together, meet, greet, support, and learn. After all, together, we are stronger.”
Throughout September, the Friends of the PBC Foundation will spotlight patient stories, provide educational resources, host virtual discussions, and uplift the experiences of those navigating life with PBC in the U.S.
To learn more about PBC and register for upcoming PBC Awareness Month activities, please visit www.pbcfoundation.org and follow the Friends of the PBC Foundation (@FriendsOfThePBCFoundation) on social media.
About the Friends of the PBC Foundation
The Friends of the PBC Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than 130,000 Americans living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), through comprehensive support, education, and advocacy.
About the PBC Foundation
Founded in the United Kingdom, the PBC Foundation is the leading international organization supporting individuals affected by Primary Biliary Cholangitis, providing information, advocacy, and hope to more than 20,000 patients in 88 countries.
Media Contact:
Felicia Apprey
Email: felicia@appreypr.com
773-671-3240
L. Marie Asad, Board President
Friends of the PBC Foundation, NFP
Email: info@friendsofthepbcfoundation.org