Each year, the Alpha-1 Foundation recognizes November as Alpha-1 Awareness Month in order to raise awareness for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) around the United States.
While raising awareness for Alpha-1 is a continuous effort, Alpha-1 Awareness month is a special opportunity to dedicate 30 days of awareness-focused activities and initiatives, where members of the Alpha-1 community are encouraged to share stories, resources and raise funds to support the search for a cure.
This year’s theme is “The Power to Connect”, highlighting the importance of connecting with fellow Alphas through Alpha-1 Support Groups, Alpha-1 specialists in Clinical Resource Centers (CRCs), legislators on Capitol Hill, and the local community to raise #Alpha1Awareness.
The Alpha-1 Foundation Virtual Walk is an annual fundraising activity that is carried out in conjunction with Alpha-1 Awareness Month. Alphas can connect with friends and family to raise funds and awareness using the TeamRaiser platform. Start a team or join a team in your area. You have the power to connect to the Alpha-1 community. Registration is $25 and includes the official 2024 A1F Virtual Walk T-Shirt. To register today, visit give.alpha1.org/VirtualWalk24
The Foundation will share important Alpha-1 facts and ways to get involved with Alpha-1 awareness efforts through its social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn) as well as on its website throughout the month. On alpha1.org/alpha-1-awareness-month, various free awareness resources are available, such as the Alpha-1 Awareness Digital Toolkit that includes social media backgrounds, messaging, and shareable graphics and a printable awareness toolkit to download calendars, guides, flyers, and proclamation letters to help raise awareness for Alpha-1. Using the hashtag #Alpha1Awareness, and #A1FVW24 for virtual walk posts, users can help expand the reach and message of the Alpha-1 community.
Events will take place throughout the month including the Birmingham Alpha-1 Education Day on Saturday, November 2nd in Birmingham, Alabama. Participants can attend in person or virtually to learn about Alpha-1 lung and liver disease, new and upcoming research and more. Click here to register.
A1F will also be exhibiting and attending North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN) 2024 Annual Meeting on November 7th, American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Grants Awards Reception in San Diego, CA on November 16th, The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA0 Plasma Protein Forum in Washington, DC from November 19th-20th and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) 2024 International Congress in Orlando, FL from November 20th-23rd.
A1F awareness priorities include advancing the field through Alpha-1 research and educating people to encourage them to get involved and share their voice. During the month, there will be an increased effort on Alpha-1 Research Registry recruitment, fundraising via virtual walks, Alpha-1 detection and testing, plasma awareness, information about programs and services of the Foundation with engagement through Alpha-1 Support Groups and Clinical Resource Centers.
About the Alpha-1 Foundation
The Alpha-1 Foundation, founded in 1995, is committed to finding a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and to improving the lives of people affected by the condition worldwide. The Foundation has invested over $100 million to support Alpha-1 research and programs at 130 institutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
For more information, visit www.alpha1.org
Contact: Jeanne Kushner
Senior Director of Communications & Policy
(877) 228-7321, ext. 204
jkushner@alpha1.org
