Alan's Story
Alan #justB Proactive: justB Workshop
English
English with Mandarin subtitles
Many of Alan’s immediate family members passed away due to liver cancer, but it wasn’t until Alan himself became ill that the family realized the role hepatitis B played in these deaths. Alan talks about how stigma prevents open discussion about the virus and raises questions about the medical community’s failure to adequately address hepatitis B. He worries that his continued silence will prevent others from knowing the same joy he experiences in his life.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
In his story, Alan talks about how long it took for his family to find out that the deaths of his uncles were caused by hepatitis B. What reasons does he give for this? (There’s a lack of attention to hepatitis B in the medical community, stigma about the virus, discrimination against Asian Americans in the U.S.)
After he was diagnosed with the chronic form of hepatitis B, Alan mentions health providers encouraged him to talk to his family. Why is open conversation so important? (Family members need to get tested, and, if they test negative, they may need to be vaccinated. If silence is maintained, they can’t know their own hepatitis B status.)
As a result of Alan’s experience, some of his family members also learned they have hepatitis B. What should they be encouraged to do? (Seek early treatment; it can prevent the development of liver cancer.)
Alan's story is available in English and with Mandarin subtitles.
Alan #justB Proactive: Life After the justB Workshop
Alan #justB Proactive: Life After the justB Workshop
In this follow-up video, Alan shares a heartwarming update on his life since his first story in 2017 about living with hepatitis B. He reflects on watching his children grow, with two in college and one applying to medical school, and how these cherished moments would have seemed impossible without advancements in treatment. Alan explains how antiviral medication helped regenerate his liver, which had previously suffered significant damage from the virus.
Alan breaks down the misconceptions surrounding hepatitis B, encouraging those affected to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow treatment plans, and speak openly about their experiences. By doing so, Alan believes the stigma of hepatitis B can be diminished, paving the way for greater awareness, support, and hope.
Alan’s story reminds us that a hepatitis B diagnosis is not a death sentence, and with persistence and medical support, a full and healthy life is achievable.