Mya's Story

I have been asked to describe my ten years as a volunteer with HepatitisWA. I came to know about HepatitisWA (then called the Hepatitis Council of WA) through very good friends of mine. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with hepatitis C and I did not have a clue what it actually was. The doctor that advised me of my hepatitis C status gave me a leaflet broadly outlining the virus and provided useful referrals on the back. I was too traumatised to even consider contacting anyone, but very good friends of mine (whom I divulged my hep C status to) did contact HepatitisWA on my behalf and obtained their excellent information booklet. When I had absorbed all the information, I felt much relieved that a hepatitis C diagnosis was not a death-sentence and that there were things I could do about it. I went to HepatitisWA’s information evenings and was so impressed with the way the information was passed on and the way they made me feel “at home” that I decided to apply to become a volunteer.

In 1999 I went on treatment. After a period of 12 months my tests came back ‘not detected’. After the initial 6-month check-up, my status was still ‘not detected’ and I was officially ‘cured’. As I have (and will forever keep) ‘positive antibodies’, I have had several PCR tests as an in-patient in a local hospital. All tests have come back ‘not detected’. I was quite happy to have these tests done because it confirmed that I was still hep C free. The medical profession just wanted to be sure instead of taking my word for it, which I can only appreciate.

My ten years with HepatitisWA have been very happy years and I have been able to help a lot of people affected by or living with hep C and/or being on treatment. Each shift is four-hours long. At present I do six shifts a month, but am known to have done 12 or 13. Whenever possible, I help out, as it is very rewarding ‘work’. I have met lots of people and have spoken to hundreds more over the telephone. I can highly recommend volunteering at HepatitisWA to anyone who has time to spare and is looking for something very worthwhile and rewarding. Volunteers are trained at HepatitisWA and once this training is completed they are asked to volunteer for four hours every two weeks at a time suitable to them. This can be in the morning from nine to one, or in the afternoon from one to five.

Although I have completed my ten years, I have certainly not retired yet. I really would miss the friendly atmosphere that exists at HepatitisWA and it has become a part of my daily routine.

Mya, WA 
HepatitisWA Volunteer

Page last updated: Friday 07 October, 2011