At birth, Mike Lin contracted the hepatitis B virus through vertical transmission from his mother. However, he showed no obvious symptoms until a severe and sudden flare of hepatitis in 2005. He then began oral antiviral treatment, which he continues to this day to control the virus. In 2012, he discovered a liver tumor for the first time. Despite surgical removal, it unfortunately recurred twice. After multiple surgeries, embolizations (TAE), and Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatments, he is fortunate to have stabilized both his hepatitis B and liver cancer for many years. Mike urges individuals with chronic hepatitis B to undergo regular check-ups and to eliminate unhealthy habits, allowing them to lead lives similar to those without the condition. Hepatitis B is a primary cause of liver cancer, but it can be prevented with a vaccine and controlled with medication. These interventions significantly reduce the likelihood of developing liver cancer.

Kenneth's personal experience with hepatitis B, including losing a friend to the disease and his own diagnosis, led him to create the National Organization for People with Hepatitis B. The organization is focused on eliminating stigma, increasing awareness, and advocating for services for people with hepatitis B.

Nathaniel found out he had hepatitis B shortly after losing his father to liver cancer caused by hepatitis B. He describes that many people in Northern Nigeria are unaware of hepatitis B. Nathaniel shares more about his experience with getting treatment. Nathaniel describes the challenges of accessing treatment in Nigeria can be costly. He describes that the same treatments are free for HIV and hopes that the same program can be extended to hepatitis B.

Shaibu is from Tanzania and found out he had hepatitis B at a young age. As a child, Shaibu and his brother were unfairly isolated from others in school because of their hepatitis B. Paying for treatment was costly. The family had to sell livestock and fundraise to try to get care. Since his brother's death from cirrhosis, Shaibu has been working to raise awareness about hepatitis B.

Sonia brings a voice to the almost 300 million people living with hepatitis B in her #BtheVoice interview. She discusses how important it was for her to vaccinate her children at birth and the hurdles she faced in receiving the birth dose vaccine in Nigeria. It was costly, and unavailable in her town, so they had to travel to get the dose.  

She also discusses to issues with stigma and discrimination and admits that she has not told many people outside of the medical community. She stresses the need for understanding of the virus and states, "It does not make you less than a person." 

Ismail is one of almost 300 million people with hepatitis B. He found out that he had hepatitis B when he got a required medical test. Thankfully at the time his hepatitis B was diagnosed it was found that his liver was normal and the infection was inactive.

John: #ICantWait to get treated for hepatitis B

Gold: #ICantWait To Tell My Friends To Get Tested and Vaccinated.

Dayo’s Story: #ICantWait To Get Tested.