Annual Alpha-1 Gulf Coast Bike Trek Unites the Alpha-1 Community and Raises Awareness 

For the third consecutive year, Team Alpha-1 joined the American Lung Association (ALA) Gulf Coast Bike Trek, in Dunedin, Florida bringing together individuals living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters from across the community. 

While every participant arrived with their own reason for riding, a common thread connected them all: a commitment to raising awareness of Alpha-1 and supporting one another along the journey. 

That spirit was visible throughout the day, especially on the event’s “Why I Ride” boards. Messages shared by riders and volunteers reflected the many experiences that make up the Alpha-1 community, from celebrating milestones and expressing gratitude to honoring loved ones and looking toward the future with hope. 

For local Alpha Deb LaBud’s family, the ride was also an opportunity to remember Alphas, including Deb LaBud. Her family joined together to ride and celebrate her life. Deb was remembered throughout the weekend by her husband, Tony LaBud, and daughter, Amber Simmons. Tony rode in her memory, creating a meaningful tribute that reflected the lasting impact she had on those who knew and loved her. 

The Brown family once again played an important role in this year’s event. In addition to raising more than $5,500 in support of the Gulf Coast Bike Trek, Thomas Brown’s mother served on the American Lung Associations (ALA) planning committee, helping ensure that the Alpha-1 message remains part of conversations within the pediatric lung community. Their involvement is just one example of the many families who continue to dedicate their time, energy, and support to strengthening the Alpha-1 community year after year. 

“This year’s ride was extra special as we recruited some family members to ride with us! It was a fun and memorable day filled with a ton of pride for how far this event has come in the last four years! The rain couldn’t keep the Brown family and the Alpha community away! As a few of my family had said, they felt like the rain made it more enjoyable, and it is now a core Brown family memory! As this event grows larger year after year, so does awareness for pediatric lung health and rare genetic disorders like Alpha-1. The partnership between the Alpha-1 Foundation and the ALA is pure magic for this bike ride!”- Said Jessica Brown. 

Although rain was forecasted throughout the day in Dunedin, that didn’t stop the Alpha-1 community from showing up. Riders took the course; volunteers stepped in wherever needed, and conversations carried between old friends and new connections. Stories were shared about community members no longer with us, hopes for the future were discussed, and plans for next year were already beginning to take shape. 

As riders crossed the finish line, they were met with cheers from family members, fellow Alphas, friends, and supporters. Those moments captured what has become one of the most meaningful parts of the A1F Gulf Coast Bike Trek: the opportunity to celebrate victories together, support one another through challenges, and be reminded that no Alpha journeys alone. 

A1F Leadership was also well represented throughout the weekend, A1F Board Chair, Jon Hagstrom and President and CEO Scott Santarella riding alongside community members and supporters. Riding side by side with attendees, they exemplified what makes the Bike Trek so special: people coming together not only to raise awareness, but to support one another and strengthen the Alpha-1 community. 

A1F extends its gratitude to ALA, including Steven Riddle and the ALA team, for their continued partnership in helping make the Gulf Coast Bike Trek possible. 

Team Alpha-1 Attendees 

Volunteers  

Special Recognition 

A1F extends a special thank you to Dr. Samantha Lindsay, Lisa Kosak, The Medeiros Family, Tony LaBud, Amber Simmons, and the many volunteers whose generosity, energy, and dedication helped make this year’s event a success. 

When reflecting on the weekend, Angela McBride, A1F Senior Director of Corporate Relations & Strategic Alliances captured the spirit of the event perfectly: 

“If there is one word to describe this year’s Team Alpha-1 Riding for a Reason, it is resilience. Despite the forecast for a gloomy, rainy day in Dunedin, Florida, the Alpha-1 community showed up with determination and heart. Volunteers stepped forward, cyclists hit the road, laughter filled the air, and stories were shared in remembrance of those no longer with us. 

Together, we celebrated hope for the future, made plans for next year, and strengthened our commitment to building an even bigger Alpha-1 community. 

Thank you to this truly amazing group for making it another unforgettable day for Alpha-1.” 

Thank You to Our Sponsors 

A1F also extends its gratitude to its Building Friends for a Cure sponsors for their ongoing support of the Alpha-1 community: 

AlphaNet | CSL | Grifols | Sanofi | Takeda 

Long after the finish line is crossed, those connections remain. Thank you to every rider, volunteer, donor, sponsor, family member, and friend who helped make this year’s Bike Trek possible. We look forward to gathering and riding together again next year.