JustB There For Others

I didn't know I had hepatitis B until I got really sick.

I knew I needed treatment, but when I went to see the doctor back home, the doctor said, I'm sorry, nothing we can do for you.

This is in the Marshall Islands where I grew up.

The resources for health care just aren't there.

I was lucky, my wife and I were able to move to OI so I can get treated.

A year later, I had a successful liver transplant.

As I lay in my hospital bed, struggling in pain, I felt so angry about my situation

I didn't know for so many years that I even had hepatitis B and I never have access to health care and treatment.

That's when the thought came, maybe this is the time for me to do something about this, I decided to teach my community about this disease to save life. I wanted my community to break the taboo so we can freely talk about it, especially because there are resources out there to help you live long, healthy life.

My wife and I now talk to our communities about hepatitis B.

We go out family to family, church to church, student to sport groups to fishermen and women's weaving groups, we've been welcomed by so many people who are hungry for information. We talk about rest, explain how the virus spread, urge everyone to get tested and advocate for improvements for our health facilities.

We are a great team, and I'm so lucky to have her as a partner. Together, we are working to save the younger generation.

Just be there for others