Liver disease patients embark on mountain hike

StephenW

Liver disease patients embark on mountain hike
                2012/07/13 11:16:03                                                                                                                                                         
                Taipei, July 13 (CNA) A group of people who suffer from liver disease embarked on a challenge Friday to hike up Snow Mountain in Yilan County as part of an effort to raise public awareness of the illness.

The hike, held ahead of the July 28 World Hepatitis Day, shows that liver disease patients can lead a normal life after proper treatment, according to a press statement released by the Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation that organized the event.

"I have total confidence in myself," said Sun Tao-chieh, a hepatitis B carrier and a liver cancer survivor, at a press conference held before the trip.

The 64-year-old had a liver transplant in China three years ago and has since been following a regular exercise regime to help develop strength.

Sun said he is "extremely excited" because this is the first time he is taking on the challenge of climbing a mountain that is some 3,800 meters high.

Accompanied by seven doctors and nurses, Sun and five other liver disease patients will enter the foothills of Snow Mountain in eastern Taiwan on Friday and hike for four days on the steep slopes.

Meanwhile, a series of lectures and free screening programs will be offered nationwide to promote early detection of liver problems, the foundation said.

(By Nancy Liu)
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