Kenson's Story
Kenson was living at home in the Marshall Islands when he learned he had hepatitis B. After being told that treatment was unavailable there, he and his wife moved to Hawaii, where he had a successful liver transplant. His recovery was challenging, and he thought a great deal about why he had to go through the surgery. Now, Kenson and his wife educate the Pacific Islander community in Hawaii about hepatitis B risks, challenge myths held about the virus, and do all they can to promote testing and care.
Why did it take so long for Kenson to discover that he has hepatitis B? (Inadequate healthcare resources in the Pacific Islands mean that many people at risk do not have access to testing and treatment.)
What does Kenson’s story show, about the value of community education about hepatitis B? (If people have accurate information, they can seek testing; if they test positive for the virus, they can pursue appropriate follow-up and treatment.)
How does Kenson decide to help address hepatitis B in the Pacific Islander community in Hawaii? (He and his wife get involved in outreach and education, by going to the places where their community members gather and providing information and resources.)