A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau

Bring education and empowerment to other Alphas, caregivers, and community members through real-life stories that spark connection and hope.

Enhance education, training sessions, and internal case studies with patient experiences that remind providers of the importance of detection and treatment.

Enhance sales meetings, national conferences, training sessions, and internal initiatives with speaker experiences that remind teams why their work matters.

Highlight the lifesaving impact of plasma donation with Alpha-1 patients whose treatments depend on it.

Strengthen legislative visits, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns with authentic patient perspectives that drive change. Ensure that regulators hear the voice of the Alpha-1 patient.

Deepen understanding by incorporating lived experience into patient ad boards—informing strategy, messaging, and patient-centric decision-making.

Gather actionable insights by including Alpha-1 patient speakers in qualitative studies, focus groups, and market research activities.

Dan received the shock of an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency diagnosis in 2012 just prior to his 60^th birthday. Although this news came as a shock, he learned to embrace his Alpha-1 diagnosis rather than to allow it to define him. He has led an active life, serving on active duty in the United States Army and never suffered from any lung related issues. After his service, he served as a Pastor, but his health status required him to retire. The news he had lung disease was hard to comprehend and the impact on his life was significant. His wife, Kathi, a Registered Nurse, had not heard of Alpha-1 prior to his diagnosis. Together they navigated the diagnosis, and Kathi has walked every step of his journey with him, including being his infusion nurse.  

Dan has met hundreds of fellow Alphas, been encouraged by them, and been privileged to encourage them along their journey. He has been involved with A1F Education Days, A1F National Conferences, and raises awareness through fundraising events to support research. He has participated in clinical trials to help advance the search for new treatments and a cure. He has spoken in various capacities, including patient groups, researchers, industry partners, medical staff, caregivers, and plasma donation centers. He is honored to join the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau and serves as a Support Group Leader for Central Kentucky.  

Kathi Coffin and her husband, Dan, call Kentucky home after recently moving from Maine. Dan was diagnosed as a ZZ Alpha in 2012, and Kathi has served as his caregiver since Dan’s diagnosis. As a retired Registered Nurse, Kathi’s extensive medical knowledge has helped them navigate Dan’s diagnosis, and she is able to administer Dan’s infusions every week at home.  

For them, the Alpha-1 community has become another family, and they have made lasting connections with other Alphas. The Coffin’s dedicate much of their time to volunteering during fundraising events to support the Foundation’s mission of finding a cure. They also assist with the Alpha-1 support group in Kentucky. They hope to connect with more patients and share their story to help others navigate this rare disease. 

In 2023, Betrice was diagnosed with Alpha-1, a pivotal moment that galvanized her into action. She has since become a passionate advocate for Alpha-1 Awareness and visibility in communities of color. Betrice is honored to be a part of the esteemed Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau, a vital program of the Alpha-1 Foundation. 

Betrice Coleman-Sweet is a dynamic communications strategist, professional writer, and certified executive coach dedicated to amplifying the impact of individuals, organizations, and companies committed to serving their communities. 

Leveraging her background as a professional coach, she empowers people to embrace their stories as a powerful tool for connection, leadership, and social change within the Alpha-1 community and beyond. 

Born in New York City and raised in Southern California, Robin now resides in Florida. She devoted many years to educating students in a variety of roles and has always placed a strong emphasis on giving back to her local community. 

Robin was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in 1996 and remained on augmentation therapy until 2017. As a result of liver complications related to Alpha-1, she received a life-saving liver transplant in 2021. 

Her personal Alpha-1 journey, combined with a multigenerational family history of the condition, has inspired Robin to raise awareness and support others affected by Alpha-1. A member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau, she also supports the Alpha-1 Foundation through philanthropic efforts and is always willing to share her knowledge and perspective with fellow Alphas and the broader community. 

Catriona was diagnosed with Alpha-1 as an infant in 1996 after being born with severe cirrhosis of the liver and other liver disease symptoms. At the age of 3, she received a liver transplant, but unfortunately, the side effects of the immunosuppressant medications caused a slow decline in renal function. In 2008, at the age of 11, Catriona had a kidney transplant with her father, Oliver, donating one of his kidneys to her, and has been doing medically well since then.

Catriona has a long-standing connection with the Alpha-1 Foundation, which included an internship at A1F’s office in Miami in the summer of 2019. Her and her family have volunteered and supported the Celtic Connection and Escape to the Cape events for many years. She also sits on the Alpha-1-To-One magazine’s Editorial Board. Catriona is excited to be a member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau honoring Fred’s legacy by sharing her story and advocating for more research and education in finding a cure for Alpha-1. She currently resides in the Greater Boston area and works in the non-profit healthcare sector as a development and fundraising professional.

Dan Grimm was diagnosed as a ZZ Alpha in 2016 and is lung affected. He is a retired truck driver from the Buffalo, New York area. He serves in multiple capacities within the Alpha-1 Foundation, including being a Support Group Leader for the New York and New Jersey area and being involved with fundraising events.  

His primary focus is advocating for the Alpha-1 community through awareness and policy change. He has spent countless hours in Washington, D.C., urging members of Congress and federal agencies to prioritize the needs of Alphas. He has extensive knowledge of the challenges patients face, including healthcare coverage, home infusion, telehealth, and access to care. He feels lucky to be healthy enough to participate in these endeavors and is honored to represent all Alphas around the country.  

Brian Hodges lives in Houston with his wife Kara and their daughter Malia. Born in August of 2019, Malia was diagnosed with Alpha-1 shortly after birth due to early complications. From the moment she was born, Malia’s liver was failing. She was admitted to the NICU for 5 days, but the medical team could not get her jaundice under control. Her liver numbers remained abnormally high. The couple was lucky to have been introduced to a knowledgeable pediatric hepatologist that helped them diagnose Malia with Alpha-1, ZZ genotype, about 3 weeks after birth. The couple figured out they were both MZ genotypes (carriers), and they had no clue about any of this prior to Malia’s diagnosis.  

The Alpha-1 Foundation and the amazing community were their lifelines. Together they have raised funds for research, awareness, and they both hope for a cure in the future. Brian is now a proud member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau as well as a member of the A1F Advocacy & Policy Group. The couple is forever grateful to the Alpha-1 Foundation and the many lifelong friends they have made on this journey. Brian looks forward to the opportunity and the chance to tell their story and help shape the future for other Alphas. 

Kara Hodges learned she was a carrier of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (MZ) when her daughter was born in August of 2019. Her daughter, Malia, was experiencing severe jaundice, high bilirubin, and extremely elevated GGT levels. The medical team thought this might be due to biliary atresia; however, they determined it to be caused by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and diagnosed Malia with the ZZ genotype.  

Along with her husband Brian, they quickly became engaged in the Alpha-1 Foundation and developed close personal bonds with other Alpha-1 parents, patients and caregivers around the world by sharing their stories and supporting one another. Their family dedicates time to fundraising for Alpha-1 research, advocacy and seeks to promote awareness at every opportunity. Through their daughter’s diagnosis, they have become empowered to share their story and are dedicated to finding a cure for their daughter and all Alphas in the community.  

Richard Johnson is the parent of two children living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Both of his children were diagnosed in early childhood and are now teenagers. Since their diagnosis, Richard has been committed to raising awareness of this genetic condition, supporting affected families, and advancing research with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. 

Richard has been actively involved with the Alpha-1 Foundation since 2010, participating in numerous fundraising initiatives and serving as a speaker at the A1F National Conference. In recognition of his advocacy and humanitarian efforts, he was named a finalist for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award through NASCAR. Driven by a passion to share his family’s journey, Richard continues his work with Alpha-1 to educate others, inspire action, and help to move this condition closer to a cure.  

Richard Lovrich had suffered from respiratory illness for many years before he was tested for Alpha-1 and his positive diagnosis was a wake-up call. It motivated him to challenge himself and to begin speaking out in support of Alphas everywhere. Richard has become very active in the community through numerous speaking engagements, including speaking at A1F National and Global conferences as well as at fundraising events. He has hosted Alpha-1 podcasts to bring the world of Alpha-1 to and from the homes of Alphas and he initiated the first Alpha-1 support group in upstate New York.

He has a strong drive for advocacy and has represented Alphas in the state of New York and Washington D.C., lobbying for the needs of Alpha patients. He has shared his story with pharmaceutical companies and medical students as well as through various media outlets with his primary goal to share his experience with as many people as possible. He looks forward to the future, mentoring a new generation of Alpha-1 advocates and will never stop advocating for Alpha-1.  

After many years of being misdiagnosed, Joe Masnack finally received some answers and was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 2017. At which point, he decided to dedicate his life to raising awareness and promote testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Joe has been actively involved in the Alpha-1 Foundation through participation in A1F Education Days, A1F National Conferences and speaking on patient panels, sharing his patient experience with various audiences.  

Joe currently serves as a co-leader of the San Francisco Bay Area support group. His passion is advocating and giving a voice to the Alpha-1 community. He has worked to do this on both the local and national level to advance healthcare reform and increase awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with Alpha-1. 

Lianne McLean is a fourth-generation California native who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned her degree in Genetics from UC Berkeley. She began her career working in a laboratory before transitioning into biotech, where she led global marketing teams focused on molecular technologies for life science research and diagnostic testing in oncology, inherited disease, and infectious diseases.  

She was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in early 2024 and is both liver- and lung-affected with the ZZ genotype. Lianne serves as a support group leader and is a member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau, with a strong commitment to education, advocacy, and fundraising for Alpha-1 research. She also participates in clinical trials. Lianne resides in Pacifica, California, with her husband Tom and their two dogs, a border collie named Gin and a dachshund named Otto. Tom lives with multiple sclerosis, and together they support one another and remain active in both the Alpha-1 and MS communities, advocating for improved treatments and future cures. 

Jason Medeiros was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 2014 after his father received the diagnosis incidentally. Jason’s father later passed away due to liver failure complications. Although he is not experiencing any liver or lung issues currently, he is dedicated to sharing his family’s experience to bring awareness to the condition.  

Based in Chattanooga, TN, he and his wife, Elizabeth, lead busy lives running several small businesses, including general contracting for healthcare and industrial facilities. Jason is a father of four children, ranging in ages from 11 to 21. After receiving his diagnosis, he reached out to the Alpha-1 Foundation for information and resources to help his family, and then became engaged in several committees, support groups, and volunteering within the organization. He has shared his Alpha-1 experience with other non-profit organizations to bring awareness and educate others.  

After decades of complaining about bouts of “breathlessness” and “extreme fatigue” Lori Mitcheroney was finally diagnosed as a ZZ Alpha on December 4, 2023.  Lori’s subtle or not so subtle symptoms were overlooked as they could easily be attributed to another health issue or diagnosis.  As long and unfortunate as her diagnosis journey was, Lori does not place blame on her physicians.  Rather, her diagnosis has inspired her to be an advocate for others.  She is determined to use her voice to help educate and spread awareness in the medical community while also stressing the importance of early detection. 

Lori serves in a variety of roles.  She is a Co-Support Group Leader of the MassAlphas.  She serves on multiple committees supporting Alpha-1 fundraising events.  Lori is enrolled in the Alpha-1 Research Registry, recognizing its importance in the advancement of clinical trials for Alpha-1.  She participates in many fundraising efforts. Along with the support of family and friends, Lori continues to help raise awareness and funds which support critical research and patient programs.  As a member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau, Lori hopes to share her journey, help elevate awareness and highlight the challenges of diagnosing Alpha-1.  Lori currently resides with her husband David in Lakeville, Massachusetts. 

Karin was diagnosed as a ZZ Alpha in September 2021 at the age of 51. She lives in southeastern Massachusetts with her husband, and together they have 3 grown children. She is a retired Kindergarten teacher, recently retiring in June 2025.   Since her diagnosis, she has received weekly augmentation therapy through home infusions to help slow the progression of the lung effects of Alpha-1.

Karin has become highly involved with the Alpha-1 Foundation, serving on multiple committees and supporting various fundraising events. She is also a co-leader of the MassAlphas support group, which comprises Alpha-1 patients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She has also become involved in advocacy, traveling to Washington, DC, to lobby on behalf of Alpha-1 interests. She is excited to be part of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau and to share her Alpha-1 journey with those who want to learn more.  

Dr. Mary Ryan is a Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice with an interest in Rheumatology. She is also diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Seeing both sides of the healthcare spectrum, self/family, and health care provider, she gives a unique perspective on a condition that affects so many more people than are currently diagnosed. She had the privilege of walking the Alpha-1 journey with her sister, a double lung transplant recipient, and the first in the family to receive the diagnosis. Dr. Ryan lives in Overland Park, Kansas, and has four adult children and a husband, all of whom have worked to understand this condition and increase awareness of the need for testing and treatment.  

Dr. Ryan has collaborated with the Alpha-1 Foundation on the review of patient-related materials, has attended A1F National Conferences and A1F Education Days, local support group meetings, and, as a speaker, has discussed a wide spectrum of disease states and health issues across the nation. She has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies and local universities, bringing to light new developments in diseases, medications on the horizon, and educational components for physicians, nurses, allied health care , and the lay public. 

Betsy Scher was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, ZZ genotype in 2020. She lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and dog Lionel. Before her diagnosis, she spent 16 years as a hairstylist-a career built on creativity, connection and caring for others. After diagnosis, her focus shifted toward her own health and wellness. She has met many people in the Alpha-1 community that assisted her with understanding and learning about her diagnosis and inspired her to get more involved.  

She is active in the Alpha-1 community through virtual walks, fundraising events, and awareness efforts. One of the most meaningful experiences she had was speaking alongside her pulmonologist to more than 300 industry representatives, sharing her journey of living with Alpha-1. Her hope is to empower others through education, awareness, listening, and sharing how she strives to live a full and meaningful life as an Alpha-1 patient. She is grateful to be part of this community and excited for the opportunity to continue learning, advocating, and connecting with others on this journey. 

Carol was diagnosed in 2018 as a ZZ Alpha at the age of 65. She was in complete shock because there had been no known lung or liver issues in her family. She had no history of smoking and did not expect that emphysema would ever be a part of her life. Her early involvement in the Alpha-1 Foundation was largely educational, learning about the disease through A1F Education Days, A1F National Conferences and through conversations with other Alphas.  

Within the last several years, Carol wanted to get involved in research and began participating in clinical trials. She looks forward to continuing her involvement in clinical trials and data collection efforts to find a cure. She looks forward to sharing her story through the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau to help others receive an early diagnosis. 

Lisa Sideris is a ZZ Alpha-1 patient based in New York City. Lisa was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency at age 29 at the Mayo Clinic. With a professional background spanning the pharmaceutical industry, Lisa brings both lived experience and industry insight into her advocacy efforts. She is passionate about advancing early and accurate diagnosis, expanding access to evidence-based treatments, and accelerating progress toward a cure for Alpha-1.  

Through education, collaboration, and policy engagement, Lisa works to bridge gaps between patients, clinicians, and decision-makers—believing that informed healthcare systems are essential to improving outcomes and the quality of life for individuals living with Alpha-1 worldwide. 

Patty Tew is a ZZ Alpha, diagnosed in 2006, and currently resides in Orlando, Florida. She is a wife, a mom, and a grandma. Patty has served in numerous roles supporting Alphas since her diagnosis. Her initial involvement with the Alpha-1 Foundation was starting the first support group in the Orlando area. She also serves on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC), is a member of the Alpha-1-to-One Editorial Board, and has been involved in numerous clinical trials.  

Patty believes in the power of the patient’s voice and emphasizes that doctors, researchers, and policymakers need to hear from patients. She is committed to representing the patient community to ensure Alpha patients everywhere are heard.