Goodyear, Arizona
Diagnosed with Hep C in 2013

When I was 28, I experienced my third miscarriage. That one was an ectopic pregnancy, and it tore me apart. It was in 1984, and I required four units of blood to keep me alive.

Fast forward to the present. There was no indication whatsoever that I was sick. A routine blood test showed that my liver enzymes were one point above normal. I had more tests, and wham, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C. Did I think it was a mistake? Yes. Did I think this was a drug users’ disease? Absolutely. This didn’t apply to me. I am an RN, a former jazz dancer, an antique dealer, a wife of 33 years--in short, a good girl. This disease knows no one’s name, and doesn’t care. It hits and kills.

Thank God, I was treated for it. I did six months of triple therapy, and after three weeks, I was clear. I will always be aware of hep C, and always cautious. I will not give in or ever think I am better than anything or anyone. My extended family members are hep C survivors and hep C fighters. I love them all for their courage and positive attitude. I am them; they are me.

What three adjectives best describe you?
Warrior, survivor, lover

What is your greatest achievement?
My life

What is your greatest regret?
Not being able to be a mother

What keeps you up at night?
Fear of losing my husband of 33 years

If you could change one thing about living with viral hepatitis, what would it be?
I never knew I was sick.

What is the best advice you ever received?
Appreciate every experience.

What person in the viral hepatitis community do you most admire?
Me

What drives you to do what you do?
My family

What is your motto?
Live large.

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?
My three precious dogs that we have owned in our marriage