News
Iowa Alpha gives the "scoop" on Alpha-1 awareness
DesMoines Register
Peg Iverson was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in 1975 after her mother suffered severe breathing problems and tested positive for the condition. Also known as genetic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the disorder can destroy the liver and lungs.
“It was a really scary diagnosis because I’d never met another person with the same diagnosis except for my mom,” said Iverson, 58, of Johnston.
The condition was first described in Sweden in 1965 and Iverson didn’t meet another Alpha for 30 years.
Iverson has hosted “Get the Scoop on Alpha-1” ice cream socials for three years in a row to help raise awareness and funds for Alpha-1 research.
Although she had no symptoms, learning she had the disorder prompted her to lead a healthy lifestyle by exercising and not smoking. Still, she suffers mild liver disease and has lost one-quarter of her lung function.
Iverson finally met other Alphas at a national meeting of the Alpha-1 Association five years ago. She then founded an Iowa support group, which now has 175 contacts.
“It’s really emotional when somebody comes to the support group for the first time because they may not have met another Alpha before. There’s a lot they still don’t understand,” she said.
