As we approach the last week of Alpha-1 Awareness Month, we are inspired by the Alpha-1 community and their dedication to the mission. There are many ways that you can still “Make your Move for Alpha-1” including:
- Participating in a Virtual Walk team or donating to an existing team. Sign-Up Now.
- Talking to your family about genetic testing and how an early diagnosis can improve the lives and health of the people you love. Click here for resources.
- Join the global giving movement and donate on #GivingTuesday on November 28th! We have set a goal to raise enough funds to fund an entire research grant in this single day! Your support can help make it possible! Make your donation for #GivingTuesday
Week 3 means only one more week to share your Virtual Walk journey! Over 71 teams have been “Making Their Move for Alpha-1” all month long. We are excited to share highlights from this third week in November Awareness Month as many teams joined together and individuals “Made their Move for Alpha-1”.
The twenty members of Gigi’s Crew with Team Captain Emily Holder walked this weekend on a gorgeous day in Chickamauga, Georgia to start the Thanksgiving week off with a great cause.
Emily also visited her local high school to raise awareness for Alpha-1. “Thank you to Casey Cooper Richie and her Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) class at Gordon Lee High School for allowing me to speak on Alpha-1. I appreciate these young students who are interested in careers in healthcare and being a part of finding a cures for not just Alpha -1 but other conditions and diseases,” said Emily. Emily already started brainstorming with Gigi’s Crew for next year’s walk!
Alpha-1 Girl & Friends led by Team Captain Christine Redshaw and her family are walking every day during November in Raleigh, North Carolina! When Christine reaches her fundraising and activity goals, she will dye her hair purple at the end of the month. Stay tuned!
Oregon Alphas led by support group leaders Mary Chilton and Natasha Durant hosted their walk on November 18th at The Children’s Arboretum in Portland, Oregon. After the walk, walkers gathered for lunch at Mary’s home where Dr. Alan Barker from Oregon Health & Science University joined as the guest speaker. Dr. Barker will generously be matching all funds raised by this support group’s annual walk.
Melanie and Craig Hamilton hosted “Utah Rocks for Alpha-1” awareness event on Saturday, November 18th at Bobo’s Revenge in Spanish Fork, Utah. This rock concert joined over 200 people including his son-in-law’s band. The event raised over $6,000 from ticket sales, a silent auction, raffle and t-shirt sales. Making this awareness event the #1 fundraiser to date! Thank you also to DC Young, local support group leader.
Arkansas Friends led by Team Captain Anita Sellers achieved her fundraising goal of $4,000 two weeks early. On Monday, she also reached her goal to walk 150 miles in 30 days. Anita starts her walk journey in memory of her late husband, Keith, in October because of daylight savings. Congratulations Anita!
“I was remembering the first year I did the Virtual Walk, Keith said, “Baby doll, if you walk that distance in 30 days, I will give you $100”. That $100 went with our total and that is how I started walking 150 miles in 30 days each year and got friends to also donate,” said Anita.
Open Arms for Alpha-1 led by Team Captain and support group leader Jackie English joined 30 participants for their annual walk at the hospital in Cambridge, Illinois.
Team Beckett and Addison led by Team Captain Lauren Culp from Ciero, Indiana walked in honor of her Alpha son, Beckett in celebration of his one-year liver transplant anniversary. This year the team is also walking in honor of family member, Addison. Thanks to the families for uniting and making their move for Alpha-1.
RARE Alphas led by Team Captain Susan Rackley held her first virtual walk in Charlotte, North Carolina as a newly diagnosed Alpha. Susan split her walk in two walking first with colleagues after her sales meeting and then again with family around her neighborhood.
Support Group leaders and team captains Lauren Fountain and Larraine Potter led Georgia Alphas in their annual walk on Saturday in Georgia! Over 30 participants walked their way through the park and participated in a fundraising raffle.
November is also COPD Awareness Month
Each year, the world also puts a spotlight on COPD during the month of November and recognizes November 15th as World COPD day. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is also known as genetic COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). One in eight adults in the U.S. over the age of 40 are estimated to be living with chronic lung disease, and millions are yet to be diagnosed, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive healthcare initiatives. The Alpha-1 Foundation is proud to partner with the Breathe Better Network and the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The COPD National Action Plan is a comprehensive framework for developing and implementing COPD prevention, treatment and management strategies. Click here to view.
Have you made your move for Alpha-1… get moving this Thanksgiving weekend!
Don’t forget to tag us on social media #Alpha1Awareness
