Couple trek across country to raise awareness of hepatitis C

EVANS - Paul Hagan is determined to get back on the road to raise awareness for hepatitis C. <br> <br> The 61 year old former carpet layer and his wife, Deborah Simone, are hoping to walk across the 48 contiguous states on a ``Journey of Hope.&#39;&#39; They educate the public about the illness as they go. <br> <br> Hagan had to take a break in November because of complications with his own liver. <br> <br> Their 8000 mile route began in Georgia and will take them to Los Angeles and back across the country. Simone walks while Hagan drives three miles ahead in their RV, stopping to wait for her. They travel an average of 20 miles a day, six days a week, and expect to finish in Washington D.C. in about three years. <br> <br> About 3.9 million Americans have hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver and the most common blood-borne infection in the U.S.