Hilario discovered he had hepatitis B in 2014 during his company’s annual medical examination, which led to workplace discrimination and deep emotional distress. Struggling with depression, fear, and financial limitations, he tried various ineffective remedies and experienced significant anxiety about his health and future. Claire found the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, which provided guidance, community, and hope, helping Hilario regain purpose and support. Together, they became active advocates, raising awareness about hepatitis B, educating others, and reducing stigma while managing Hilario’s health through regular checkups. They emphasize resilience, gratitude, and the importance of seeking support, encouraging others with hepatitis B to live fully without fear and to advocate for themselves and others. 

Chona was diagnosed with hepatitis B during her fourth pregnancy in 2012, a moment that brought fear, trauma, and intense stigma as multiple hospitals refused to accept her for care. Through an online search, she found support from Yellow Warriors of the Philippines, who helped her understand the importance of timely vaccination and immunoglobulin for her newborn despite limited access to care. Although her experience deeply affected her physical and emotional health, Chona found strength, community, and hope through advocacy groups and faith. Today, she ensures her children are vaccinated, attends regular checkups, and encourages others living with hepatitis B not to lose hope or let stigma define their lives. 

Mark was diagnosed with hepatitis B at the age of 18. He discovered he had hepatitis B when he was applying for a job at a fast-food chain that required testing and screening. Mark was heartbroken, as his status hindered his dreams of working abroad, and he lost interest in activities he normally enjoyed. He was lost and had no idea how or where he contracted hepatitis B, but luckily, he had supportive parents and loved ones. He joined the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines (YWSP), where he found others who are also living with hepatitis B. Mark now volunteers with YWSP to educate his local community and people around the world about hepatitis B.

James, 27, is one of four siblings, out of five, who have hepatitis B. He first learned about the disease when his sister tested positive. Following this, his father urged the entire family to get tested. James encourages others not to let their status get in the way of enjoying their lives.

Julie Ann, 36, learned that she had hepatitis B when she was pregnant with her first child. Julie was shocked because, when she was a nursing student, she had been medically required to get a hepatitis B vaccine, and during a visit to an infectious disease doctor, she was told she was nonreactive. She joined the Yellow Warrior Society, where she participated in a five-year study called CANDLE. Julie urges others to end the stigma and discrimination against people with hepatitis B.

Rodel, 54, experienced rejection from a former partner upon revealing his hepatitis B status and has remained single ever since. He speaks about the challenges he has encountered in securing employment as an overseas worker due to his condition. Rodel shares his journey of accepting and living with chronic hepatitis B.

In 2016, after her brother was rejected for employment due to a Hepatitis B diagnosis, Imee from the Philippines discovered that she and three of her five siblings also tested positive for the disease. Lacking proper knowledge about Hepatitis B, she sought information online and medical advice but struggled with the high costs of treatment and regular health monitoring. Facing depression and job loss, she found support through the Yellow Warrior Society of the Philippines, where she now advocates for awareness, equal rights, and better government support for Hepatitis B patients. She remains hopeful for future affordable treatments and the passage of anti-discrimination laws.

Diane shares her journey of living with Hepatitis B, starting from her diagnosis at 18 while applying for a job to her experiences during her pregnancies. She discusses the challenges she faced and how she found support through the Yellow Warrior Society Philippines. Diane highlights the importance of education, awareness, and vaccination to prevent Hepatitis B. Learn about her advocacy work and how she now volunteers to spread awareness and support others facing similar challenges.