November is Alpha-1 Awareness Month, and supporters across the country are already taking action to raise awareness, support research, advocate for change, and help advance the search for a cure.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Alpha-1 Is You,” highlights the significant role every member of the community plays in shaping the future of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1). From sharing personal stories to participating in research, advocacy, and fundraising efforts, every action helps move the mission forward.
Why Is Early Testing for Alpha-1 So Important?
This week’s focus is on detection. Alpha-1 can affect both the lungs and liver, and early detection can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and connect with appropriate care and support. Raising awareness about symptoms, risk factors, and testing remains a crucial step toward helping more people receive answers and an early diagnosis.
Knowing your status starts with a conversation with your healthcare provider. Take the first step toward getting answers and help raise #Alpha1Awareness about the importance of Alpha-1 detection. A1F strongly encourages people with Alpha-1 symptoms and their family members to be tested. This includes the parents, siblings, child/children, and extended family members, such as aunts or uncles and cousins, of any person diagnosed with Alpha-1.
Family members may have one or two deficient Alpha-1 genes and not be aware of their own health risks and the chance of passing on the Alpha-1 gene to their children. If they learn they have one or two deficient genes, they may consider making lifestyle, professional or personal choices that could maintain or improve their health.
A1F is participating in the Plasma Protein Forum on November 3rd-4th in Alexandria, Virginia. The annual event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers, scientists, and patients to discuss key developments affecting the plasma protein therapeutics community.
What Laws Support Home Infusions and Oxygen for Alpha-1?
Advocacy efforts are also gaining momentum. During November, A1F continues to advance two federal priorities: permanent Medicare coverage of home infusion for Alpha-1 augmentation therapy through the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025 (H.R. 2343) and improved access to supplemental oxygen through the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902/S. 1406). Thanks to advocates’ dedication across the country, support continues to grow for both pieces of legislation. H.R. 2343, sponsored by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), currently has 61 cosponsors, while the SOAR Act, sponsored in the House by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-22), has 70 cosponsors. Contact your representative’s office by sending a muster alert. Click here to send for H.R. 2343 and click here to send for H.R. 2902/ S. 1406. You can also call your congressional representatives using the switchboard 202-224-3121.
How Are States and Support Groups Honoring Alpha-1 Awareness Month?
Thank you, Karen Fisher-Nguyen, and the Maryland Alphas A1F Support Group, for obtaining a Proclamation for the Governor of the State of Maryland, Wes Moore, announcing November 2026 as Alpha-1 Awareness Month. A state proclamation serves as an official, high-level public declaration from a governor or state legislature that brings formal legitimacy, media attention, and community mobilization to a specific health condition, like Alpha-1. Visit https://alpha1.org/advocacy-toolkit/ to download the 2026 Proclamation wording and sample request letter.
Fundraising is off to a strong start as community members support the 2026 A1F Virtual Walk and help drive progress in awareness and research. 46 Teams have already signed up and are organizing their walks across the country throughout the month. Participants who raise $500 will receive an exclusive Alpha-1 Awareness Month neck gaiter, while those who reach $1,000 will earn an A1F sling backpack. Register today.
How Is the Community Participating in the Alpha-1 Virtual Walk?
The A1F Virtual Walk theme, Step Forward for Alpha-1, is a call for the Alpha-1 community to step forward together with unity, purpose, and strength. It reflects the power of patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and supporters coming together to take meaningful steps toward a shared goal. Each step forward drives progress in awareness and research. Whether you are walking, fundraising, sharing your Alpha-1 story, or supporting others in their walk, you are helping move the A1F mission forward to find a cure.
A special thank you to everyone who joined the A1F Virtual Walk Kickoff Call on Monday, November 2. Supporters from across the country came together to learn about fundraising opportunities, advocacy priorities, and ways to get involved throughout the month. It was wonderful to meet team captains and participants from across the nation, hear their stories, and learn about their plans for the month ahead. From longtime supporters to new participants, each team is helping Step Forward for Alpha-1!
Mayo Clinic Shines a Light on Alpha-1: At Mayo Clinic, team captain Kayla Quinn, CCRP, of the Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine Clinical Research Unit, helped organize a team walk on November 1 to kick off Alpha-1 Awareness Month. They have already doubled their fundraising goal.
The team’s commitment to raising awareness doesn’t stop there! On November 16, a building on Mayo Clinic’s campus will be illuminated purple in recognition of Alpha-1 Awareness Month, helping shine a light on the Alpha-1 community and the importance of awareness and research.
Michigan Alphas Step Forward Together: In Michigan, Support Group Leaders Megan Lyle and Judy Harnois of the MI Alphas brought their community together for a walk through the Michigan History Museum. The group enjoyed an opportunity to connect, explore local history, and raise awareness for Alpha-1.
Walking Along Boston’s Castle Island: In South Boston, MA, Lori, and David Mitcheroney kicked off Alpha-1 Awareness Month with a 90-minute walk around beautiful Castle Island. Their walk was another example of how participants can take part in the Virtual Walk anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace.
“I am beyond grateful to have family and friends walk beside me as I spend the month of November spreading awareness, showing support and honoring all Alphas who battle this diagnosis every day… they give me the courage and determination to keep fighting!”- Lori Mitcheroney.
In Schenectady, New York, Mike Allen, team captain of NY Refusing to Lose Alphas, is kicking off the A1F Virtual Walk by bringing Alpha-1 awareness to his local gym! By proudly wearing his Alpha-1 shirt during his workouts, Mike is sparking conversations and encouraging others to learn more about Alpha-1. Mike also took his advocacy a step further this past weekend by participating in a virtual iRacing podcast, where he shared information about A1F and its mission, raising over $1,000 through his Alpha-1 Racing for a Cure fundraiser. His dedication is a great reminder that raising awareness can happen anywhere, whether you’re walking at the gym, sharing your story, or simply starting a conversation!
Although November has only just begun, the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the community have been inspiring. Whether you are sharing your story, contacting elected officials, participating in research, fundraising, or encouraging someone to learn more about Alpha-1 testing, your efforts are making a difference.
Every action makes an impact. Every voice counts. Every step matters.
Remember, the future of Alpha-1 starts with YOU!
