Wall of Stories
Together, our stories
can change the way
the world sees viral
hepatitis. The stories
of those living with
or impacted by
viral hepatitis can
help educate and
raise awareness,
provide support
and inspiration,
tackle stigma and
discrimination, and
highlight the true
impact of this global
disease.
Each month we share the
story of someone whose
life has been affected by
viral hepatitis. This month,
we hear from Colleen Price
from Canada who shares
her story.
14 hep Voice FEBRUARY 2019
name is Colleen Price.
“ My
I am 45, a survivor of
trauma, addiction, hepatitis
C and HIV who resides in
Ottawa, Canada.
At the time of my hepatitis
C diagnosis in 1997, it
didn’t overly impact me. I
saw hepatitis C as a chronic,
manageable disease that
would probably take many
years before it became
an issue. My GP didn’t
encourage treatment as it
was very difficult at that
time and my liver was not
problematic.
I lived in silence and
denial. Then, in 2000, I
was diagnosed with HIV. I
associated both diseases
with a death sentence at
first and for a long time
after. With the combined
diagnosis, I reverted into
a helpless and hopeless
mode, relapsing to cocaine
use and increased drinking,
which culminated in a
DUI. For me, this was a
final wake-up call and I
subsequently entered a
drug treatment centre.
I thank my illnesses
because my paths to my
own destruction were
ingrained and my denial
and negativity were
absolute. Mental re-
framing, harm-reduction
and support have all
helped me to break the
chains of addiction and
self-destructiveness. I am
in recovery from addiction
and always will be.
I am not ashamed of
hepatitis C or HIV or my
past. I am who I choose to
be now. The hardest part
emotionally was disclosing
my diagnosis to my partner,
parents, friends and
employer.
Treatment was an
emotional, physical and
spiritual roller-coaster but
in the end, I persevered and
completed treatment. The
journey changed me from
victim to survivor via strong
emotional releases while
on hepatitis C treatment. I
have run into many barriers
individually, clinically and
systemically.
Co-infection was ‘double-
trouble’ mentally, physically
and spiritually, yet I have
evolved.
It is a continual period
of both challenges and
growth for me. I no longer
feel shame, guilt or fear.
I have found a way out of
depression and despair. I
have found acceptance,
empowerment and hope.
I am still very much a work
in progress, as I re-define
my identity, my values, my
goals, my dreams and as I
face chronic illnesses.
I have been working as an
advocate for access to care,
treatment and support
services including mental
health, addictions and peer
support. I encourage testing
and treatment if possible.
Treatment can and does
work; it is difficult, but there
is hope.
”
“I no longer feel shame, guilt or fear. I have found
a way out of depression and despair. I have found
acceptance, empowerment and hope.”
See more stories and submit your own at
www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/wall-stories
“The hardest
part emotionally
was disclosing
my diagnosis
to my partner,
parents, friends
and employer.”
hep Voice
FEBRUARY 2019 15