Grammy winner Natalie Cole, who was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C in 2008, will meet with leading patient advocates in Washington, D.C., and discuss the Tune In to Hep C national public health initiative, sponsored by Merck and the American Liver Foundation, at a National Press Club Speakers Luncheon, Wednesday, October 19.
“There is a stigma around chronic hepatitis C because it’s associated with IV drug use. But it doesn’t matter how you got the virus, it matters what you do about it,” Natalie Cole said. “That’s why I’ve joined the Tune In to Hep C campaign to share my story and motivate people to take the next step by speaking to their doctor. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Cole, who realized she’d been living with the virus for more than 25 years after being diagnosed during a routine examination, will call to elevate the public discussion around chronic hepatitis C and encourage others to take action. Hepatitis C is a liver disease often referred to as the “silent disease” because it can be in the body for decades without apparent symptoms. An estimated 3.2 million Americans have hepatitis C though many are unaware they have it.
Cole has earned nine GRAMMY awards. The daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, her debut album Inseparable (1975) earned a No. 1 single, This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), and two GRAMMY awards for Best New Artist, as well as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her 1991 album Unforgettable…With Love included a duet with her late father and earned six GRAMMY awards. Cole’s latest album, Still Unforgettable, (2008) garnered two more GRAMMY awards. Cole documented her life story in her autobiography, Angel on My Shoulder (2000).
The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.
To submit a question in advance, type COLE in the subject line and send to president@press.org before 10 a.m. on the day of event. National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at facebook.com/PressClubDC and Twitter @PressClubDC. Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter
