ALF’s ‘Bili the Brave’ Roars to Life with Bakari & Sadie Sellers

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – February 24, 2026 – The American Liver Foundation (ALF) today launched an animated video bringing its beloved children’s book character, Bili the Brave™, to life, offering a new beacon of hope for families navigating the difficult diagnosis of a rare pediatric liver disease. The video features powerful narration by CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers and his 7-year-old daughter, Sadie, a biliary atresia patient and liver transplant recipient whose own journey mirrors that of the brave lion at the story's heart.

This initiative marks a significant expansion of a program designed to demystify a frightening medical journey for the youngest of patients, transforming complex procedures and anxieties into a narrative of courage, understanding, and shared strength.

A Father and Daughter’s Journey of Hope

The project carries a profound personal weight for the Sellers family. Sadie was diagnosed with biliary atresia as an infant, a journey that involved numerous procedures and culminated in a life-saving liver transplant before her first birthday. Their involvement lends an unparalleled authenticity to the animation.

“I was so honored to join Sadie in bringing her favorite children’s book to life,” said Bakari Sellers. “It's difficult to watch your newborn infant struggling with a health condition that requires surgery and a liver transplant all before the age of one. There were a lot of sleepless nights for my wife Ellen and I as Sadie recovered from the procedures and surgeries.”

Sellers emphasized the critical role of support systems during such a trying time. “Learning more about the disease, utilizing the resources from ALF, and receiving the special plush Bili the Brave lion is the type of support families need during a difficult health journey,” he shared. “Sharing this special project with Sadie and helping bring this book to life was a wonderful experience we will both treasure forever.”

Their story is a powerful testament to the reality faced by hundreds of families each year and underscores the urgent need for accessible, child-friendly educational tools.

The Urgent Challenge of Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare, life-threatening liver disease affecting approximately 1 in every 10,000 to 20,000 infants. The condition involves the bile ducts inside or outside the liver becoming inflamed, blocked, or absent, preventing bile from draining from the liver. This backup of bile causes rapid and irreversible liver damage, scarring, and cirrhosis.

Without intervention, the prognosis is dire, with the disease being universally fatal within the first two years of life. The most common early symptoms—persistent jaundice beyond two weeks of age, pale or clay-colored stools, and dark urine—can be mistaken for common newborn issues, making early diagnosis both critical and challenging.

The primary treatment is a surgical procedure called the Kasai portoenterostomy, which attempts to re-establish bile flow. For the best chance of success, the surgery must be performed within the first 60 days of life. However, even with a successful Kasai procedure, it is not a cure. The majority of children with BA, between 60% and 80%, will eventually require a liver transplant to survive. It remains the leading cause for pediatric liver transplants worldwide.

“For children navigating liver disease, understanding what's happening in their bodies can seem overwhelming and complicated,” said Peter Cullen, a former Disney Channel executive and ALF board member who helped create the Bili character. “Bili the Brave transforms complex medical experiences into an accessible, hopeful story. This animation is more than simple entertainment – it's a tool for healing, education, and emotional support.”

More Than a Cartoon: A Toolkit for Healing

The animated video is the latest addition to the comprehensive Bili the Brave program, first launched by ALF in 2024. The initiative provides free toolkits to families through a network of 26 participating children's hospitals across the country.

At the center of the toolkit is Bili the Brave, a plush lion designed with purpose. The toy features a small, embroidered scar on its abdomen—mirroring the incision from a Kasai procedure or transplant—and an arm bandage. These details provide a tangible point of connection for children, normalizing their own physical changes and medical equipment. In a uniquely touching feature, squeezing Bili's tummy plays the recorded “roars” of real children affected by BA, creating a chorus of solidarity.

The toolkit also includes the original illustrated children's book and a medical bracelet, all packaged in a nylon string bag. This multi-modal approach addresses the emotional and educational needs of young patients in a way that clinical explanations cannot.

The high-quality animation was made possible through a significant pro bono contribution. “ALF is so grateful to Chuck Snyder, Creative Director of Fox Entertainment, who graciously contributed his incredible animation expertise to help bring Bili the Brave to life,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of the American Liver Foundation. “We are forever thankful for your pro bono support in this effort to bring comfort, information and support to children and families living with BA.”

This collaboration between a leading health non-profit, media industry experts, and a family with lived experience sets a new standard for patient support. By combining a physical comfort object, a storybook, and now a dynamic animated video, ALF provides a layered support system that helps children and parents feel less alone. Families can find additional resources, including educational materials and access to online support groups, through the foundation's dedicated websites and its free helpline at 1-800-GO-LIVER.