Alphas, Friends & Family

Alpha Stories

Alphas, their families, and friends of Alpha-1 share their stories to inspire and give hope to others.

Read stories about people living with Alpha-1 in Alpha-1-To-One, a quarterly magazine designed to provide practical advice, personal experiences, and pertinent news for people touched by Alpha-1.

  1. Alex’s art cars help him cope with Alpha-1.
  2. Alphas and their spouses take on Alpha-1 together.
  3. Andrea is reaching out to help others with chronic illnesses.
  4. Barbara reflects on her late husband, John, in an effort to advocate for Alpha-1.
  5. Berger Family: Alpha-1 liver disease doesn’t stop them.
  6. Bill spent his birthday doing something he loved, riding the range.
  7. Brian urges family testing and awareness.
  8. Canadian Alphas the challenges are greater.
  9. Caregivers need support, too. So Barb started Alpha-1 CARE
  10. Curtis awaits a liver transplant, with family support.
  11. Dan is a big fan of pulmonary rehabilitation.
  12. Dick carves walking sticks that are “functional art.”
  13. Gary: Helped found EFFORTS.
  14. Gavin’s story can help save lives.
  15. The Grooms family wonders if people are going undiagnosed because they are black, or other races.
  16. Isabel: at age 79, she still loves her work.
  17. Jack: music is his “happy place.”
  18. Jaidan receives the gift of life – and a second chance.
  19. Jane: Created a web site for pulmomary patients.
  20. John Grammer was deeply depressed. Then he decided to fly.
  21. John Kelly: Tackles the grueling Ironman competition to raise money and awareness for Alpha-1.
  22. John Taylor says no mountain is too high now
  23. Joyce: “One of the Originals” retires from AlphaNet.
  24. Kaitlin’s Alpha-1 wedding story.
  25. Katie doesn’t let Alpha-1 or breast cancer slow her down!
  26. Ken: The story behind the Alpha-1 angel.
  27. Len is living beyond his wildest dreams after a double lung transplant.
  28. Liz, Doug and Vicki are growing their hair out for a worthy cause.
  29. Mary: Beating the odds after lung transplant.
  30. Melissa: Fashion Designer and former TV star keeps dreams alive—despite Alpha-1.
  31. Michelle: Her amazing nature photographs tell her story of triumph.
  32. Mike and Lori are doing their part to raise money for Alpha-1.
  33. Richard wrote a book that expresses his feelings toward his son Evan’s Alpha-1.
  34. Roger shares his “just out of reach” philosophy.
  35. Sally tells about her mistakes using oxygen, and why they’re important.
  36. Steve: Back in the skies after losing his pilot’s license to Alpha-1!
  37. Sue dedicates her life to helping other Alphas.
  38. Trine: Who says you need 14 pills a day?
  39. Vicki Joseph Remembered, A memorial celebrating her life “in her own words.”
  40. Every Breath, a poem by Jim Danley.
  41. My Precious Breath, a poem by James Danley.
  42. Life: A Breath Away, a poem by Cathy Gould.