by Darlene Morrow

For many people, the HEPV-L list out of St. Johns has been a lifesaver. HEPV-L is a hepatitis virus online list server, established in February 1995 by Geff Thorpe. The HEPV-L hepatitis C support group provides information and support for patients with chronic hepatitis and related liver problems. Geff enlisted the help of Patricia Johnson, Dave Scherman, Sara Amber and Cindy Torchin, who are now co-list owners and volunteer their time to maintain the list. This month the HEPV-L list was featured in Infectious Disease News.

Patricia Johnson is known to many as Peppermint Patti. On July 11 Peppermint Patti announced her retirement from the HEPV-L list. Patricia had untiring devotion and dedication to helping people with HCV. Health problems and a change in paths have led Patricia to sign off the HEPV-L for the last time on July 11. She will be sorely missed.

To subscribe: DSCHERM@TIAC.NET

Vancouver Chapter Updates

Hi Everyone:

We've been seeing a lot of new faces at the meetings lately. Sorry to see so many new people but hope we can be of help. Anyone needing information can email me at the above address, fax or stop in at the web site.

The guest speaker was Kenn Quayle, who spoke about the discrimination that accompanies HCV with a particular focus on injecting drug users. The Canadian Liver Foundation put together an Information Sharing Session on July 14th for downtown eastside service providers and on July22nd for individuals at high risk. Both of these events were coordinated by Kenn and more information about them should appear in the next newsletter.

The Vancouver Chapter is currently applying for charitable status. We would like to put together a raffle to raise money for the Chapter. We have a sponsor but need an event. Some suggestions have included having a Halloween party with the raffle at the party. We'd like input from our members. Please contact Herb (241-7766) with your suggestions.

The HepC BC internet site has been busy. The site has had 3500 hits since April 6 of this year. The HON (medical site for integrity of medical information on the internet) has reviewed HepC BC and highlighted the organization from their own site. I am getting an increasing number of emails asking for help and information so I am reaching my objective of providing support and education for people with HCV. The site is updated on a weekly basis so please stop in for a visit. Any suggestions for additions to the site would be appreciated.

The BBQ initially planned for August has been postponed until further notice. For more information please contact Audrey at 940-8148.

Enjoy the summer and the sun whenever it shows.

Darlene

Darlene Morrow, 1203 Plateau Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 2J3 darmorr@uniserve.com

Kenn Quayle -MindBodyLove

P.O. Box 21521,1850 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, B.C. V5N 4A0 Canada

tel: (604) 215-0351

e-mail: brian_mackenzie@mindlink.bc.ca

FROM THE OKANAGAN

Dear Members,

Wow, another newsletter! I cannot believe how time flies! We must be having fun here, in the sunny Okanagan.

Penticton will be holding their regular monthly meetings over the summer, giving the newly diagnosed a chance to meet other heppers and share some experiences.

Kelowna will not be holding any meetings over the summer. Elaine has just got out of the hospital, after being hit by a mega virus that really knocked the stuffing out of her. We are glad you are starting to feel better, Elaine.

The Okanagan is looking forward to Tim's visit. He is expected to be here in August or September. Plane reservations have not yet been made!

In June, I ventured to Castlegar, with my support system, to help Robin facilitate the starting of a new chapter. He did a great job and I look forward to seeing this group grow. I am so glad I finally got to meet everyone face to face, especially Betty. She was the first mother I had ever spoken with.

I did not go to Washington, DC in June. The AASLD was not too keen on having heppers at the research weekend. I could have gone, but only if I agreed to not participate.

I will be going to Kamloops for an August 2, 1997 Public Information Symposium on Hepatitis C. I am really looking forward to watching another support group get going. Thank you, Linda, for inviting me.

If you would like to attend the Penticton support meeting, we will be at the Health Center on July 17th and again on August 21st from 7 to 9 PM on both nights.

Take care and enjoy the summer.

Leslie

The Supreme Court of Canada has heard the appeal from the Canadian Red Cross. The Supreme court judges should be reaching a decision very shortly.

Eight weeks after their decision, Justice Horace Krever will be handing over 3 years worth of his blood, sweat and tears to the federal government.

We are hoping to have our hepatitis C quilt there (Ottawa or Toronto) when the report and recommendations get handed over. The media will not miss this one!! So far it is 52 - 12 x 12 squares big and VERY impressive! If you have not already done your square, please do so. This way you will be represented, even if you can not make it!

We are also hoping to have many transfused persons in Ottawa (or Toronto) as well. We are suggesting you approach your federal MP and ask if they could possibly assist you be there by letting you use their air miles. (Especially if yours is a reform MP, you will find that they support Krever and the rights of the transfused.)

Quilt squares can be forwarded through your local chapter to me, or you can send them directly to:

Leslie Gibbenhuck

RR2 Site 5 Comp 10

Penticton, B.C. V2A 6J7

REMINDER: Squares are to measure 12 X 12, if red cloth is used, yellow hand print - if a bright yellow square is used, red hand print. Black should be used for name, message etc. Please leave at least a 1 inch border clear so I have room on all sides to attach it. Thanks.