Jon Secada was so affected by his father's death from hepatitis C that he made people aware of the disease. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
More than a decade after his father's death from hepatitis C, singer Jon Secada continues his awareness campaign to combat the disease He encourages you to have regular medical examinations to rule out liver diseases.
As part of the Ventaneando program, he emphasized that hepatitis C is a viral infection that, according to a study by foundations such as American Liver, attacks stealthily and severely affects the Latino community, which is more likely to suffer from it. The most affected population is the male population with the occurrence of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
At 62, Jon Secada is stepping up his crusade because he is part of the “baby boomer” generation, considered the most at risk of falling victim to the disease. According to the Cuban singer-songwriter People born between 1945 and 1965 should pay special attention to blood tests and medical examinations to rule out infections.
It was in 2011 when his father, José Secada, died. In the last part of his life, the man suffered from hepatitis C with severe liver damage. It was too late when he realized that he was suffering from the disease, among other things. because it is a disease that does not show any quick or noticeable symptoms.
As a public figure Jon believes he has a responsibility to support research and dissemination on all topics related to hepatitis C. His father's death was a hard blow, made even worse by the lack of information that would have allowed him to act in a timely manner and initiate optimal treatment.
“There are people who don’t even know they have hepatitis C,” he says.
As for José Secada's case, he is aware that there were other age-related health complications that accelerated his decline. However, Their interest is in contributing to greater knowledge and understanding of the disease and providing early options. That's why it funds research studies.
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He also shared the awareness-raising message through music. He composed the song Your voice will tell you in 2012 and used it as an anthem so that Hispanics wouldn't ignore their liver, an organ that also suffers from the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
A hard blow that cannot be overcome
In 2022, the show Se dice de mí Maritere interviewed Vilar, Jon Secada's wife, and Juan Carlos Salvatierra, the singer-songwriter's manager. From their proximity and proximity to the singer, they spoke about the impact his father's death had on him. to the point that I am fully committed to the fight against hepatitis C.
“To this day it’s a bit strong. He has his moments when he talks to his father, he has his moments when he is quiet and lonely. “Missing him a lot,” his wife commented. ““His father’s death affected him deeply and hit Jon hard,” Salvatierra said.
What he couldn't do for his father, he does for his family. Secada pays close attention to his health and that of his loved ones, which is why he ensures that they undergo regular checkups to rule out illnesses. In his case, he is more disciplined in check-ups because he is in the age group where men suffer from liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Maintains contacts and collaborations with foundations, hospitals, universities and research centers to learn about advances in solutions such as early detection of the disease, diagnosis, presentation of symptoms, effective treatments and care for patients with hepatitis C.
