John's Story
When he was 16, John learned during a routine medical checkup that he has hepatitis B. After his mother reacted with tears and concern, he decided that he needed to demonstrate to himself and others that people living with the virus can live full, adventurous lives. John decided to organize a charity bike ride to raise money for hepatitis B research. The support he received from people following his journey from Florida to Pennsylvania gave him the strength necessary to endure an often-exhausting cycling experience.
If all newborns in the U.S. are immunized, how might John have become infected with hepatitis B? (He could have been born just before routine vaccination began in the U.S.; he could have contracted the virus through contact with blood in preschool or elementary school; he could have been a non-responder to the vaccine — about three percent of people do not respond to the vaccine.)
How is it that some people experience extreme fatigue and other symptoms when they have hepatitis B, and others, like John, can live highly active lives? (Viral loads can vary dramatically — for those with a high viral load, symptoms may be present. For those like John, with low or dormant concentrations of hepatitis B in their blood, symptoms can be absent altogether.)
What motivated John to continue his bike ride, even when he was sweating and exhausted? (The support and phone calls of people affected by hepatitis B motivated him to continue bringing visibility to the issue.)