I view chronic hepatitis C virus infection from two perspectives. On one side, I see it from the eyes of a patient, having contracted hepatitis C in 1988, followed by three courses of treatment. My other viewpoint is that of a nurse and hepatitis C advocate. I have walked with countless patients through treatment, helped them overcome challenges and celebrated their successes.

Wearing my patient’s hat and nurse’s cap, I believe:

• Hepatitis C is a serious disease and needs to be taken seriously.

• Hepatitis C is a curable condition. Thanks to the latest treatments, four out of five hepatitis C  patients can spend the rest of their lives free of the disease.

• You don’t need to be extraordinary to complete treatment. Knowing how to do it coupled with good support can make all the difference in the world.

• Although it is normal to be afraid of hepatitis C, fear is not healthy. The way to fight fear is with facts.

• We can be free from Hepatitis C.