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2013 Alpha-1 Annual National Conference

Alpha-1: 50 Years of Discovery
2013 Conference _Community Currents
Summertime is always the best of what might be. The sky is brighter, the evenings are warmer, the birds are louder and the flowers are in full bloom.  We hope that all those that attended the 22nd Annual Alpha-1 National Education Conference this year in Washington D.C that you left feeling not only feeling the best that you can be, but stronger, better equipped to deal with challenges and more inspired to approach every day the best you can. 
  
The conference had a unique blend of both a family atmosphere and an empowering spirit from not only being in our Nation's Capitol, but it also being the 50 year anniversary since the Discovery of Alpha-1. It was a weekend filled with outstanding speakers, awards, great music and lots of activities for families and children. Click here for more information about the conference.  

 

If you were unable to attend the conference or a particular session, it's okay. Most of the presentations have been recorded and will soon be mounted on the Association's E-Education webpage.

 

If you would like to view or purchase photos from the National Conference, please click here.   

Solutions
Emergency Fund
Operation 100

NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR ALPHA-1 PARENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS 

 The Alpha-1 Association is conducting surveys for parents and young adults affected by Alpha-1 to ensure that the resources being developed are in a format that is most useful. Answers will be kept confidential and will not be shared. Complete if you are a father or a mother of a child diagnosed with Alpha-1 or are a young adult affected by Alpha-1.  

THE ANN MARIE BENZINGER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND 

The Alpha-1 Advocacy Alliance has established the Ann Marie Benzinger Emergency Assistance Fund within the Alpha-1 Association. This fund will assist those in the Alpha-1 Community facing financial stress and those who are unable to pay for basic needs such as prescriptions, utilities, or expenses to travel to a transplant center. 

 

 JOIN THE OPERATION 100 CAMPAIGN TODAY! 

 The Alpha-1 Association's annual Operation 100 campaign has kicked off to raise funds for the Association's programs and

services and to create awareness among family, friends and healthcare professionals. The goal is to have 100 people raise $100 each to generate a minimum total of $10,000. This fundraiser started on June 9th and will last until September 17th. Become involved today!
Maryland visit
Cathy Gould
Denver photo

A SUCCESSFUL LOBBY DAY 

On June 5th, a Congressional Briefing was held on Capitol Hill to discuss Alpha-1, COPD, and the life-saving advantages of access to care for those with Alpha-1. In addition, Alpha-1 Grassroots Advocates went on a total of twenty-two Congressional visits.

 FORWARD THE 600 ALPHAS  

This poem was written by Cathy Gould, an Alpha from Pennsylvania. It captures moments from the 2013 National Conference and her Alpha-1 Advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. "With joy and hope in our hearts... we fought for what was right... everyone from everywhere... would soon know our plight."

 

SAVE THE DATE

There will be an Alpha-1 Education Day in Denver, CO on August 10th.  Attendees will hear Martin R. Zamora, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine from the University of Colorado speak about Alpha-1 PLUS Transplants and more. Reservations must be made by August 5, 2013.

Sue_hiking
Sitting and Webinar
Sarah_Weinke  

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU'LL MEET 

According to Sue from Ohio, "I met medical students while hiking. I was excited to share my Alpha-1 story with people from the medical community."
 HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ALPHA-1?

Put your Alpha-1 knowledge to the test by taking a short interactive quiz!  It is designed to test your basic knowledge of Alpha-1

This program offers free phone-based confidential information to Alphas, family members and more.
 
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