In the fall of 2014, 5NEWS aired a special report on Carlette Metcalf, a Springdale woman who was cured of Hepatitis C and is now making sure everyone knows about the new treatment options. Metcalf was recently honored by the American Liver Foundation at a fundraiser in Tennessee called “Flavors of Memphis.” She was treated to top-notch cuisine from some of the best chefs in Memphis and recognized for her ongoing efforts to raise awareness.
“There are 5 million people in the United States alone that need your help,” Metcalf said as she addressed the crowd at the annual fundraiser. “And, without the American Liver Foundation, they’re not going to get it.”
When 5NEWS first interviewed Metcalf in October of 2014, she spoke about a specific pharmaceutical company and a specific drug that was used to help cure her of Hepatitis C. Now, just six months later, Metcalf says more breakthroughs are being made.
“At the time when I did the drug, the problem was they had to use the old regiment with the new regiment. It was fierce. It was horrific,” Metcalf said. “Now, they’ve made it so easy. You take two pills a day for 84 days. People are getting awesome incredible results from it, and they’re getting healed!”
Metcalf’s story of survival and her determination to raise awareness have thrust her into the spotlight, in many ways making her the face of hope for people with liver disease.
“It’s a boldness, and you just have a fire that’s lit inside you that says ‘I have to go forward with this,’ because no one was going to fight for me,” Metcalf said with ears in her eyes. “To come forward was frightening because I worked in healthcare. So I was going to get phased out, and that’s okay, because it’s a pay it forward game for No one fought for me,me here.”
In two weeks, Metcalf will travel to Washington D.C. to meet with Arkansas lawmakers, in an effort to get funding for more research and medication. She’s also planning a fundraiser to be held in Arkansas within the next few months.