Alpha-1 family members, friends, and caregivers from across the country came together for a meaningful and memorable Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) Building Friends for Cure (BFC) Training. What began as a fundraising training quickly grew into a hands-on, interactive experience centered on connection, learning, and community.
Throughout the event weekend, participants worked side by side with the 2026 Celtic Connection event committee including helping set up the silent auction, preparing for the evening event, and selling raffle tickets. These shared moments created a strong sense of purpose and teamwork, bringing the mission of Building Friends for a Cure to life in a powerful way.
The Celtic Connection event held on Saturday evening was a celebration of Irish heritage and Alpha-1 community spirit. Surrounded by patients, families, researchers, and supporters, the event was filled with energy, gratitude, and a shared commitment to advancing Alpha-1 research and supporting related programs.
On Sunday, the group reconvened for an interactive training program featuring past BFC participants who shared their experiences and insights. We were honored to have Board Member Peg Iverson in attendance, along with dedicated A1F volunteers like Karin and Michael Pittsley and Diane and Mike Allen. Special thanks to our incredible volunteer, Richard Lovrich for capturing the weekend through his beautiful photography.
“Education and connection are at the heart of everything we do at the Alpha-1 Foundation. Through our Building Friends for a Cure program, events like The Celtic Connection give us a powerful opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and strengthen our community. This recent BFC training was more than just sharing information, it was about empowering individuals to become advocates, raise awareness, and build lasting relationships that will help them fundraise for Alpha-1 research and related programs and move us closer to a cure,” said Angela McBride Senior Director of Corporate Relations & Strategic Alliances
The theme of the training, “Growing Your Garden,” was a powerful reflection of what the BFC program represents, planting seeds of awareness, nurturing meaningful relationships, and cultivating a community rooted in hope and action. Participants “graduated” from the BFC training equipped with the tools and resources needed to host their own A1F fundraising events, We are excited to see the incredible fundraisers that will bloom.
The weekend concluded with a celebration of our newest BFC graduates and recognized their commitment to growing this A1F program within their own communities. Lifelong friendships were formed, ideas were sparked, and together we continue to move forward, one seed at a time.
“Upon the arrival at The Celtic Connection event, I felt genuinely welcomed by everyone. Volunteering with Building Friends for a Cure was such a meaningful experience; we all took on a variety of tasks to support the event which made it easy to connect with other Alphas. All the details that the Alpha-1 Foundation puts into this event is nothing short of incredible. This was my first time attending an A1F event and meeting others living with Alpha-1, and it meant more than I can put into words. I felt alone and lost after my recent diagnosis and getting involved in this event has been a form of therapy for me. I’ve built genuine friendships and am looking forward to helping at more events. A heartfelt thank you to theA1F staff, all the BFC volunteers, and generous donors for making the 2026 Celtic Connection such a success, “ said A1F BFC New Volunteer Heather Hale Sutton
Inspired? Start growing with us. Host your own A1F fundraiser and help drive critical Alpha 1 research forward. From walks and bake sales to dinners and community events, our A1F BFC team is here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you plan your next event and turn your passion into impact.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact: Irene Calderon at icalderon@alpha1.org
A1F’s Building Friends for a Cure program brings communities together to promote Alpha-1 awareness, raise funds, and advocate for a better future for people living with Alpha-1. Thank you to the Building Friends for a Cure program Sponsors: AlphaNet, CSL, Grifols, Sanofi and Takeda.
