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Country: Canada
City: Abbotsford
Type: Other
Happy Liver Society and Stacey House
Two years and nine months: that's how long Karen Stacey has been on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Despite the obvious stress experienced as well as impact on her day-to-day health, Stacey, 50, has not only stayed patient, she's stayed positive, dedicating herself to helping others facing a similar diagnosis with a liver disease. From family members to her community, Stacey has always been active in helping others. In 2008, she took her community activism to the next level by founding the Happy Liver Society, a non-profit providing advocacy and support services to liver disease patients. "I've always been that person that looks after people . . . It just is a comfortable role for me," she says.
Stacey's positive outlook is also helping her cope with news received from her doctor last week. An ultrasound of her liver suggests her health has experienced a further decline.
Stacey received financial compensation for the error and opted to put it to good use, launching the Happy Liver Society and Stacey House, a one-bedroom condo near Vancouver General Hospital, for use by patients and families recovering from liver transplants. Guests are charged only $25 a night. Approximately
100 people have made use of Stacey House since its inception. "At some point I'd like to see it be a larger building," says Stacey.
In addition to the operation of Stacey House, the Happy Liver Society works to educate the public about the importance of getting tested for various diseases of the liver, as well as hepatitis prevention.
Read more at: http://www.nsnews.com/health/Show+Shines+support+liver+society/4738799/story.html
