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Alpha sings "Songs for Friends and Family" for Alpha-1 Research
At age 36, a pulmonary specialist confirmed Tom Young’s long-held suspicion that he had emphysema. Leo Black, MD, of the Mayo Clinic told Young the cause was Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
Young was encouraged to do as much hunting and fishing as possible, since age 55 was his life expectancy.
Tom and Joni Young
Like many other Alphas, Young defied the mortality predictions. Now 72, he attributes his longevity to good treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation. Rather than dying at 55, he moved to central Montana and married Joni, the nurse who was giving him his augmentation infusions.
In the fall of 1996, Young was severely injured when a large milk route truck that was passing a snowplow hit him head on.
During his recovery, Young prayed to be healed and promised to sing solos in church if he recovered. And that’s exactly what happened. Many opportunities to sing popped up. Then his wife Joni surprised him with a karaoke machine for Christmas.
“Singing has been a fun pastime, helps to exercise my lungs and get the junk out, as well as providing an opportunity to contribute to my community,” Young says.
While visiting his daughter Lisa in north Idaho in June 2009, he was invited to record songs for family and friends.
After learning about the Alpha-1 Foundation’s Million Dollar Match, Young was inspired to help the Foundation raise funds for research programs. His CD “Songs for Friends and Family,” is available for a suggested donation of $25 plus $7 for shipping and handling.
Contact Tom Young at (956) 825-9155, or email txjonitom@yahoo.com
