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Home > About ALF > Media Center

The American Liver Foundation Mourns the Loss of a Heroic Hepatitis C Advocate

Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop, Dies at Age 64.

New York, September 12, 2007 – Anita Roddick, founder of the environmentally friendly chain The Body Shop, died of a brain hemorrhage on Monday, September 10, at the age of 64. Ms. Roddick was an outspoken advocate for the environment, the anti-war movements, and most recently the fight against hepatitis C. Ms. Roddick announced in March 2007 that she had hepatitis C, a virus she contracted through a blood transfusion while giving birth to her youngest daughter more than 35 years ago. Routine blood tests revealed that she carried the virus.

“In the time that she knew she had hepatitis C, Ms. Roddick accomplished a great deal in helping to remove the stigma attached to having this potentially life-threatening infection,” said James L. Boyer, MD, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Liver Foundation.

Hepatitis C is considered a “silent killer” because it often produces no symptoms during its long incubation period. You can get hepatitis C if your blood comes into contact with blood from someone who already has the virus. There is no vaccine, and only about half of those with chronic hepatitis C can be treated successfully with antiviral medicines. More than 4 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C; it is responsible for 8,000-10,000 deaths annually.

Prior to 1991, it was not uncommon to contract hepatitis C through a blood transfusion as Ms. Roddick did. Today, Infections can be avoided through such precautions as using sterile needles for tattoos or body piercing, not injecting drugs, and practicing safer sex.

Facts about hepatitis

  • There are five distinct types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. All cause inflammation of the liver.
  • Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer.
  • There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
  • Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States.
  • More than 5 million Americans, or 1.7 percent of the U.S. population, are or have been infected with hepatitis C.
  • Recent studies suggest that approximately 40 percent of the 2.2 million people in the U.S. prison system are infected with hepatitis C.

About the American Liver Foundation

The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting liver health and disease prevention. ALF provides research, education and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases including hepatitis.

Page updated: September 17th, 2007