Beth Lehman’s battle with alcoholism and liver cancer nearly cost her life, but a transplant saved her. Now she’s on a mission to raise awareness with the Liver Life Walk Atlanta on April 12th at Brook Run Park. This walk, not a run, ensuring everyone can participate. Beth shares the urgent need for organ donors, and explains how most other countries automatically enroll donors. In the US, it is an opt-in program, and the number of donors is falling. Dunwoody, let’s show up and make a difference! liverlifewalk.org/atlanta
The Unfiltered Truth About Liver Disease with Beth Lehman
A Life-Saving Journey That Begins in Dunwoody
When Beth Lehman collapsed during a Spruill event in her Dunwoody home, she had no idea that moment would mark the start of a completely new life. Diagnosed with liver disease due to alcoholism, and later with liver cancer, Beth faced some of the darkest days imaginable. But her story took a turn for the better when she received a liver transplant in April 2021. That rebirth sparked a mission: to raise awareness about liver disease, reduce the stigma around alcoholism, and champion the importance of organ donation.
Now, Beth is the local face behind the Liver Life Walk Atlanta, happening on April 12th at Brook Run Park. In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber talks with Beth about her personal story, her advocacy, and how this walk is bringing the Dunwoody community together.
Why the Liver Life Walk Moved to Brook Run Park
Originally hosted at Piedmont Park, the Liver Life Walk found a new home in Dunwoody's Brook Run Park. The move made sense: better parking, improved accessibility, and a community that rallies behind causes that matter. Brook Run's wide paths and park layout allow walkers of all abilities to participate in the 1.5-mile loop. For those who want more of a challenge, the course can be extended to a full 5K. But at its heart, this isn’t a race. It's a walk—one that welcomes survivors, families, caregivers, and neighbors.
Living in Dunwoody means having access to events like this one, where health, education, and togetherness intersect. It’s just one more reason families keep moving to Dunwoody year after year.
Beth Lehman: From Silence to Advocacy
Beth’s journey wasn’t just medical—it was emotional and social, too. Like many battling addiction, she initially kept her condition private. But after collapsing during that 2019 Spruill event, she realized she had to speak out. By the time doctors identified her liver cancer, she had five tumors—meaning she'd been unknowingly living with cancer for over two years.
Her openness now serves as a beacon for others facing similar struggles. Beth has become an advocate not only for liver health but also for talking about the hard stuff: addiction, binge drinking, and the shame people often carry with them. By owning her story, she’s helping others find the courage to seek help.
Organ Donation: The Gift That Saved Her Life
Beth’s life was saved by a liver donation from a 43-year-old man in North Carolina. She never got to meet her donor, but his legacy lives on in her daily work. That experience fuels her passion for changing the way Americans approach organ donation.
Unlike countries with automatic enrollment, the U.S. uses an opt-in system—and the numbers are declining. Beth believes every driver’s license application should prompt serious reflection. One checkmark could save up to eight lives. She urges the Dunwoody community to become organ donors and share their wishes with loved ones.
Breaking the Stigma Around Liver Disease and Alcoholism
One of the most powerful parts of Beth’s story is how she tackles the stigma head-on. Liver disease isn’t just about alcohol abuse. It can also stem from poor diet, obesity, diabetes, and even genetics. Still, the stigma persists, making many reluctant to seek help.
Beth opens up about her former drinking habits—including consuming four to five bottles of wine a day. Her honesty creates space for others to speak freely, without shame. And in a community as supportive as Dunwoody, those stories matter.
Small Businesses and the Power of Local Support
Beth is quick to shout out local supporters. Emory Transplant, Piedmont Transplant, and United Digestive have all stepped up as sponsors. But she believes there’s room for more.
“Even a $100 donation from a small business goes a long way,” she says. Supporting events like the Liver Life Walk isn’t just philanthropy—it’s marketing, community engagement, and heart. Local businesses from neighborhoods like Dunwoody North, Redfield, and Georgetown are invited to be part of something bigger than themselves.
How to Get Involved in the Liver Life Walk Atlanta
The 2025 Liver Life Walk will take place on April 12th at Brook Run Park, and there are plenty of ways for Dunwoody residents to get involved:
Walk the Walk: Register and show up, whether you walk the full loop or cheer from the sidelines.
Join a Team: Beth’s group, “Powered by Laughter, Fueled by Liver,” is open to all.
Sponsor the Event: Local businesses can gain visibility while supporting a vital cause.
Donate: Every contribution counts, no matter the size.
Volunteer: Help with setup, registration, and hospitality.
Head to liverlifewalk.org/atlanta to sign up or contribute.
Why Dunwoody Embraces Events Like This
From Village Mill to The Branches, Dunwoody neighborhoods thrive on connection. Events like the Liver Life Walk don’t just raise money—they raise awareness and unite residents around shared values. It’s no wonder so many people are relocating to Dunwoody. With parks like Brook Run and residents like Beth, it's easy to see why the Dunwoody real estate market stays strong.
Whether you’re a long-time local or just browsing homes for sale in Dunwoody, you’ll find more than just good schools and walkable neighborhoods. You’ll find stories like Beth’s, and neighbors willing to walk beside you through anything.
Final Thoughts from Host Matt Weber
What’s Up Dunwoody podcast host Matt Weber often says that the heart of this show is about connecting the dots in our community. Beth Lehman’s story is a powerful example of that.
By sharing her survival, her struggles, and her triumphs, Beth shows us the strength that exists right here in our backyard. Her journey offers a new perspective on living in Dunwoody—one defined by resilience, community, and hope.
Learn more, join the walk, or make a difference today.
