I grew up in Belfair and attended Belfair Elementary, Belfair Junior High and graduated from North Mason High in 1977. I played varsity football my Sophomore, Junior and Senior years for coach Pugh and was also a member of the North Mason wrestling squad, going to the state championship in 1976 and 1977, achieving a high of 8th place. As a Freshman I also was a member of the varsity golf team. Most of the people I graduated with attended school with me starting from grade school. I want everyone to know that I have been so very touched with the generosity of my classmates and the effort they have put into my fundraising. All funds raised go into the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) for costs not covered by medical insurance. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my former classmates.
The origin of my hepatitis C is not for sure, but more than likely it resulted from blood transfusions I received in 1980 when I had an appendectomy or two years later when I had another surgery to repair scar tissue causing a 100% intestinal blockage as a result of my earlier appendectomy.
My current condition is rated as a number 12 on the numerical rating system and I am on the University of Washington Liver Transplant List. Ratings of 0-10 are low on the list for transplant, and anything over 15 is imminent for transplant. I must go to the University of Washington every 6 months to review my rating. I have been as high as a 13 and as low as a 10. Hepatitis C is not curable and there is no vaccine.
The main focus of this website is to educate people about Hepatitis C. My concern is that many people may have this disease and do not know it. They do not know it is the silent killer that they may have it for over twenty years with no symptoms and not know they have this time bomb ticking away in their liver. It is very important to me for people to have an open dialog about Hepatitis C, and how people can deal with it and what to do if they do find that they have this disease.
In my case, I had this disease for many years and did not know it. In 1998 I was not feeling well and went to the doctor. I requested to be checked for diabetes and hepatitis. I was diagnosed at that time as having diabetes, and to this day I must take insulin shots 2-3 times a day. Any vehicle I ride in must have 2 cans of non-diet soda in it should I need to raise my sugar levels quickly. On Dec. 15 1998 I had surgery to correct a damaged disc in my neck. At midnight on Dec. 24 1998 I collapsed for unknown reasons. Fortunately one of the best liver doctors available was on duty when I arrived at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton and realized right away that I had potential liver problems. Tests confirmed hepatitis C. I must take over twelve separate medications per day to control both hepatitis C and diabetes, and I am unable to enjoy many of life’s pleasures that I enjoyed prior. Frequent stays at Harrison Hospital where I am on a first name basis with the staff are a common event due to elevated ammonia levels in my system caused by the hepatitis.
Whether you live in Belfair, Sequim, Kitsap County or anywhere, it can affect your life.
This highly successful, multi-disciplinary team at UW Medical Center transplants approximately 80 livers each year. The first year survival rate of UW liver transplants exceeds 85 percent. Please see entire article by clicking this link. 
