This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
We just discovered two of HepCBC’s wonderful former Board members are now stars at CATIE! Both Joan King and Laurel Gloslee tell their inspiring and insightful Hep C Stories in a new CATIE booklet. View or download the entire booklet at https://www.catie.ca/sites/default/files/HepCStories_English_web_final2.pdf
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· Joan King’s story is on pages 18 – 23 · Laurel Gloslee’s story is on |
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Favourite quotes:
CATIE: “While it’s true that hep C disproportionately affects certain groups—for example, people who use injection drugs, people who had unsafe medical procedures in other countries, and people born between 1945 and 1965—there is no one “kind of person” who gets hep C. This disease can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The more we put human faces to the disease, the more we can challenge stereotypes and chip away at the stigma. If you would like to add your story to Hep C Stories online, email us at: myhepcstory@catie.ca.”
JOAN KING: “In my pre-treatment days, I felt weak – I couldn’t even raise my arms. And I was itchy! I found it hard to walk around Butchart Gardens. Now I can hike 10 km without even thinking about it.
Post-treatment, my life is pretty much the same as it was before, but with less pain and more energy. I’ve retired but still play violin in community orchestras and teach a few students. I love babysitting my grandchildren. I have a wonderful partner. I hope to travel more when my partner retires.
My dog, Marty, has been there for me faithfully. He makes sure I get my walks and stay healthy (and he guards me from evil delivery people). Life is good! I’m so glad to be around to experience it.”
LAUREL GLOSLEE: “When I found out that the meds had worked, I was—strange as it may sound— scared. I had been fully prepared to die. I wasn’t at all prepared to live. I had to see a counsellor to help me understand that, yes, I do get to have a rest of my life.
Having hep C made me stronger. I am self-reliant but I’ve learned that I need to ask for help when I need it. Hep C has taught me to walk through fear—to take the first step, because you never know what’s going to happen after you do.
I got so used to minimizing what I was going through that it’s almost a relief to sit in support groups and hear others share their stories. I still go to those groups to show people that there is life after hep C. People were there for me when I needed support, so I try to be there for others. I talk about my hep C journey every chance I get.”