Michelle C.

When I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2010, I thought how could this happen to me? I knew something was wrong when I was tired all the time. I usually run and I go to the gym, but all I wanted to do every day after work was come home and go to bed. Then when blood work revealed Hep C, I was shocked, afraid and embarrassed by the stigma of this disease.

I don’t know how I contracted the virus, although I suspect a blood transfusion that I had years ago. My family was very supportive and encouraged me to find a really good doctor. He wanted to put me on medication but it cost $1,000 a pill. No kidding. That was way out of reach for me, but I wanted to live and see my kids grow up and get married. Fortunately, my doctor was able to include me in a research study that delivered the medication to my home. I had treatment for 24 months and now I am 100% free of the virus.

I am proud to be a part of the ALF National Patient Advisory Committee so that I can raise my voice to speak out about the need to make this life-saving medication available to people with Hep C. I want to tell the world, you should get tested, don’t be afraid, there is a cure.