Behind every Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraiser there is a story of hope, resilience, and community. While each participant’s journey is unique, they all share one goal: to make a difference for those affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1).
This year’s participants have shown that a simple social ice cream can become something extraordinary. Families have gathered neighbors, friends have rallied coworkers, and local businesses have opened their doors to support a cause that is deeply personal to so many. Together, these events have raised awareness, created inspirational conversations, and strengthened the Alpha-1 community.
Kathy Marko from Illinois hosted her fundraiser on July 10th alongside her husband, Dana, converting their van into an ice cream truck for Alpha-1.
Their fundraiser brought friends and neighbors together and raised $1,125, while introducing many new people to Alpha-1 and the work of the Alpha-1 Foundation.
More importantly, we met people who inquired about Alpha-1 and awesome awareness was spread. We had a copious amount of fun; we laughed and even shed a few tears as we were overwhelmed by strangers’ well wishes. We never thought our van could be an ice cream truck sharing such fun all for Alpha-1.,shared Kathy & Dana Marko.
On July 15th, Kat Feldman and Maria Popovici-Miller of Airna brought their colleagues together at their Boston, Massachusetts office for ice cream, fun, and community. Together, they raised $1,420. Their event created lasting connections and reminded everyone that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact.
On July 22, another inspiring example came from Leah Simmons and her team at Druid City Vital Care, whose lunchtime fundraiser brought coworkers together at their Tupelo, Mississippi office with a shared purpose. Together, they raised $580. Their story demonstrates how every scoop served, and every donation made helps move the mission forward.
On July 24, Jennifer Clark gathered family and friends to host her first Ice Cream for Alpha-1 event in Grass Valley, California.
“I’m so thrilled to give back to the Alpha-1 Foundation that has helped me so much with understanding my Alpha-1 diagnosis and the generous scholarship I received to attend the A1F National Conference.
I think the best part was that a few people that joined us had no affiliation with me or my family; they just saw it on Facebook. I was able to share my Alpha-1 story with them, and it made me think about stopping in at fundraisers in the future even if I don’t have an affiliation with it,” said Jennifer Clark.
With raffles, ice cream, and meaningful conversations, Jennifer’s team, “Super Scoops for Alpha-1″ raised more than $1,000 in donations.
Another amazing story comes from Robin Diamant who is also a member of the A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau. In celebration of her 5-year liver transplant, Robin hosted the “Robin 5 Year Liverversary Ice Cream Celebration for Alpha-1” Robin was able to raise nearly $5,000. She gathered neighbors, family and friends in Boca Raton, FL on July 26, 2026 for an afternoon of ice cream and celebration.
On July 23, Betsy Scher, who is also an A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau member, hosted her second Ice Cream for Alpha-1 event. Her team, “Oliver Findings”, hosted an afternoon of gelato and fun in Highland Park, IL and raised more than $2,600.
On August 4th, Richard Johnson (A1F Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau Member) and his family hosted their very first Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraiser. His son Lucas will be heading to college soon, and the family hosted an ice cream in his honor. “It’s such a pleasure to do whatever I can to strive towards a cure for Alpha-1. After the last national conference that I attended I was able to see the amazing progress that has been made and I have gained great hope for the future for Alphas, like me!” said Lucas Johnson.
Their event gathered friends and neighbors and raised over $2,400.
The stories shared here are just some of the many Alphas and friends making an impact through the annual Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraising campaign. So far more than $20,000 has been raised, and there are more fundraisers to come, and more stories waiting to be told.
If you’ve been thinking about hosting an Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraiser, there’s still time to join us this summer. Whether your event brings together a handful of friends or an entire community, every scoop served, every dollar raised, and every conversation started helps advance A1F’s mission of improving the lives of those affected by Alpha-1.
Register today: https://secure.alpha1.org/icecreamforalpha12026
