Grey's Anatomy star hosts second annual hepatitis, liver cancer fundraiser

Sara Ramirez, an actress who portrays orthopedic surgeon Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy, was among several stars who took to the stage in New York during second annual The Al D. Rodriguez Foundation benefit. Ramirez created the organization in memory of her friend who recently died of liver cancer, according to TVGuide.com.

The foundation's efforts focus on educating people about the risks of hepatitis, which if left untreated, can greatly increase a person's risk of developing liver cancer. In addition to raising awareness of these diseases, the organization supports efforts to boost the number of free testing centers and hepatitis vaccinations across the country, the news source reports.

Among the other celebrities who attended the fundraising event was host Carson Kressley from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Audra McDonald, an actress on the Grey's spin-off show Private Practice. All the profits raised that evening were donated to the foundation.

Hepatitis most commonly spreads when people have unprotected sex, and without treatment, it can lead to severe health consequences. If the infection becomes chronic, approximately 60 to 70 out of 100 patients with hepatitis C will be diagnosed with liver disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.