It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) supporter and AlphaNet coordinator Deborah (Debbie) LaBud passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026. Debbie was a longtime supporter, volunteer and Support Group Leader for A1F and a dedicated and involved member of the Alpha-1 community for over 20 years.
Debbie was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) in 1991 and received a left lung transplant on November 22, 2011. Debbie became the leader of the Gainesville Alpha-1 Support Group shortly after her diagnosis. She also became a volunteer at LifeQuest (Organ Procurement) as an ambassador. Debbie worked for LifeSouth Community Blood Center in 2005 as a donor recruiter for eleven years. In March of 2005, she married the love of her life Tony LaBud, who would stick by her side through it all, and help her to weather any storm. Deborah was a super-athlete for the Transplant Olympics and won several medals for the state of Florida in several competitions over the years, organized tons of Building Friends for a Cure (BFC) fundraisers for A1F and selflessly put others first.
“Deb, always with a smile and offering a helping hand, served the Alpha-1 community in every possible way. She was a Support Group Leader, a Peer Guide, a fundraiser, an AlphaNet Coordinator, and an advocate—no matter the task at hand, she was there helping move the Alpha-1 Foundation’s mission forward. As a two-time lung transplant recipient, she shared her Alpha journey with others in the community and was an inspiration to every Alpha she met. Her husband, always by her side, was her biggest cheerleader along with all her loving family members. We have lost a beautiful soul, an Alpha-1 warrior who never gave up and was always focused on helping another Alpha,” said Cathey Henderson, Director of Patient Services.
In 2017, Debbie began to have issues regarding her opposing lung, but wouldn’t let this diminish her warrior spirit, and was awarded another single right lung transplant later that year. In 2021, she received a job at AlphaNet as an AlphaNet Coordinator, something she was very passionate about. She was all about Alphas serving Alphas and felt her purpose on earth was to help others.
Deb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and dog mom. She loved family time, traveling, crafting, fundraising, raising awareness for Alpha-1, organ donation, and blood donation. She was involved with various Alpha-1 community events including Riding for a Reason and the Gulf Coast Bike Trek.
“Deb has been part of our community since the very beginning. She and Tony participated, fundraised, advocated, and most importantly helped build the incredible team we are today. Her Alpha journey was one of resilience, surrounded by love and grounded in deep respect for the medical, patient, and research communities, all of whom, in turn, supported her along the way. She leaves behind a beautiful family who will carry the torch forward as we continue the search for a cure for Alpha-1,” said Angela McBride, A1F Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Strategic Alliances.
A Celebration of Life will be on April 18th at 2pm at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home in Jonesville, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Deborah LaBud to the Alpha-1 Foundation by visiting www.alpha1.org/donate or by sending mail to the Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134.
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