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The Faces of Liver Disease

Tucker Schoenecker's Story

"In life, we all have our own obstacles to overcome. But since being diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis my obstacles are a little more challenging"
~Tucker Schoenecker

Tucker, 69, is a man that many of us may know, but for different reasons. For one, he’s a successful entrepreneur with strong ties to Wisconsin, having raised a family and built a business in Milwaukee. But even if his name doesn’t ring a bell for you, Tucker may not be a man too far from yourself or someone you know. He is a high-energy person who enjoys traveling and experiencing the world, from the beach all the way to the boardroom. And he’s learning to do all this, living with liver disease.

Autoimmune Hepatitis has impacted Tucker in many ways, but it is a disease that he is learning to live with. “I have been very lucky to have an excellent doctor, Dr. Kia Saeian at Froedtert Hospital, who has helped me cope with my diagnosis,” says Tucker.

Tucker will continue his fight against liver disease. His willingness to share his experience is one way he is “giving back” and not letting liver disease control his life.

What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed. The disease is chronic, meaning it lasts many years. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

There are two forms of this disease. Type 1, or classic, autoimmune hepatitis is the more common form. This is the form that mostly affects young women and is often associated with other autoimmune diseases. Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is less common and generally affects girls between the ages of 2 and 14.

Page updated: August 23rd, 2012

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