As you may know, we recently lost a dear friend and incredible patient advocate, Randy Madara. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, as Randy touched the lives of so many within our community.
In her honor, here are some tributes from those who’ve cherished her:
“Randy was a Help‑4‑Hep Peer Counselor since 2014. In that capacity, Randy helped more than 6,000 individuals who called Help4Hep for assistance. Randy was the personification of an informal H4H Slogan that she coined: ‘We are going to help cure hepatitis C ONE PATIENT AT A TIME!’
Many of you reading this are advocates, care-givers, and patients. So you know the challenges of living with hepatitis. But Randy … well Randy took care-giving and advocacy to a special level. She was kind, sensitive, indulging, supportive, patient and above all helpful to all who came into her sphere of awareness.
To say that she will be missed is certainly an understatement. To say that she will be well-remembered hardly needs to be said at all. Randy Madara has set an example, not only for an advocacy community, for she is a model for all of us about how to live a kind, thoughtful, compassionate, considerate, and loving life.
Randy Madara, we love you and may your memory be a blessing.” – Denny and Sue Simon
“I had the honor of working with Randy as a fellow counselor on the Help-4-Hep (H4H) helpline. We would talk frequently to brainstorm about resources and the follow up needed for callers with whom we had both spoken. Randy’s warmth and caring shined through every time we spoke – care for the individuals who reached out to us, care for everyone living with and impacted by HCV, and care for me as the person she was talking to at that moment. Randy not only helped A LOT of people but also the help she provided was deep, personal, and often long-term. She set an example for me for what meaningful and effective support for people living with HCV should be.
Beyond being a caring person, she was a very knowledgeable expert on all issues HCV-related. I remember a presentation she gave at an H4H retreat (the one time we got to meet in person) on extrahepatic manifestations and comorbidities of HCV, when and how they can present, and how they had impacted her personally – which is still the most thorough explanation I’ve seen on the topic.
After my time with H4H, Randy and I would touch base when she needed to connect people to treatment in my area or I needed to refer someone to H4H. She ended every conversation saying, ‘I love you, Rob!’ in a jovial, heart-felt tone. Rest in peace, Randy. I love you too!” – Robert McGoey
“Like so many of us who have experienced the challenges of Hepatitis C, I felt a need to reach out to others to discuss my journey fighting the virus. It was 2015 and after many years of monitoring and unsuccessful treatments, I felt a need to talk with someone who might understand what I was going through. I researched organizations that provided guidance and support and I decided to call Help for Hep. A woman named Randy Madara took my call. I remember how uplifting and positive Randy was when she introduced herself. I knew right away that I was speaking with someone who was very special. Not only did I find Randy special in her experience guiding callers in caring for themselves, but Randy was special in her kindness and general compassion for others. We had a wonderful conversation. After some time and with additional calls to Randy, she asked me if I might be interested in applying to become a telephone counselor with H4H. I welcomed her invitation and applied for the position. I was thrilled when I was accepted.
Over the next six years I worked with Randy and the other wonderful people at H4H. After I got the opportunity to take the new direct acting antivirals, Randy was the first person I called. And after I was informed about my cure, it was Randy who shared my excitement. Randy’s calls always ended with, ‘love ya Gar’.
I recall how much ‘nachas’ (joy) Randy got from her grandkids and how proud she was of her daughter’s accomplishments. I also recall how dedicated she was in inspiring and helping everyone who crossed her path. Although she experienced many life challenges, she maintained a bright smile and a positive outlook on life. She will always be an inspiration for me as I know she will be for others.” – Gary Martel
“RM, you were the light of hope for so many, even when you were suffering too. You have left a Rich Legacy my dear friend and will always be A Sister of My Heart. RM ❤️” – Ronni Marks
“Randy was a fierce advocate for everyone, especially those living with hepatitis C. She embodied kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand to people she might never meet. Some souls transcend their time among us, leaving an indelible mark that reminds us of our fortune in having known them. I’ll deeply miss her love for emojis, and hearing her cheerful ‘hi sweetie’ or her spirited ‘hooooly cow’ in reaction to the injustices of our healthcare system. Randy envisioned a future where compassionate healthcare was accessible to all. We owe it to her to keep pushing. Onward, sister.” – Adrienne Simmons
“Words cannot fully capture Randy’s love and generosity. I was fortunate to have Randy join us at Help-4-Hep as a peer counselor many years ago. We worked closely together, mostly remotely, and almost daily throughout those years. Randy wasn’t just a colleague; she became a best friend and sister. She was a fierce and devoted advocate for folks dealing with the challenges of hepatitis C. Her superpower was her boundless love and compassion, which left a lasting impact on everyone she met. I am deeply grateful for the time we shared and for the privilege of witnessing her spirit in action. We miss you dearly, sister.” – Robin Lord Smith