Woman writes songs for a cause

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Woman writes songs for a cause8/26/2006 5:02 AMBy: Martie Salt, News 14 Carolina

Zirbes is a singer with big dreams that reach far beyond a hit song. With her song list, she carries a message about an infection affecting more than 4 million people in the United States.

Her goal is to get people tested and comfortable talking openly about Hepatitis C.

"The stigma is unbelievable in this disease and it shouldn't be,” she said. “People who are sick shouldn't be hiding." Hepatitis C is a liver-damaging virus spread through contaminated blood and body fluids. Although 80 percent of patients have no signs, others suffer from jaundice, fatigue, nausea and stomach pains.

A close friend's diagnosis inspired Zirbes more than five years ago to get the word out.

"Every time I do something like this, any time I do an event to raise awareness of Hepatitis C, you know I always think of her," she said.

Zirbes lost her friend but continued with the mission. She started a nonprofit to educate more people.

"I get people who say I’ve never told anyone except you and my doctor," she said.

Zirbes’ nonprofit group tours the country raising money and awareness. Every dollar helps pay for the creation of more postcards and T-shirts supporting her Hepatitis C awareness campaign.

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