The Story of the Bullock Bunch.  Trinity (4) was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency ZZ in April 2009.  AAT is a protein that is excreated from the liver into the blood stream that protects both the liver and the lungs.  When there is a deficiency it makes them vullnerable to diseases such as; cirhosis of the liver, COPD, Emphasima, and both lung and liver cancer. Statistics show that most children that are diagnosed have the ZZ genotype, and will need a liver transplant before the age of 10.  Those with the SZ genotype, generally show no symptom until early adulthood, that is when they develop breathing problems.  Those with SZ are more likely to develop Emphasima early on.  That news changed our families lives forever.  Shortly after the whole family was tested, we found out that our oldest daughter Brittani (15) also tested positive but with SZ.  My son, Troy (15), and my husband, Matt (36),  both are carriers (MZ) and I, Julie (34) also tested positive with SZ.  I am educating myself everyday in regards to this unknown genetic disease.  I am asking that even if you don't know anyone with this condition, that you donate just a little for research.  My goal is to bring awareness to this disease, which is documented to be the third most serious genetic disease behind Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis.  This disease is taking our young children and young adults before they have a chance to make a difference.  Please help them fight the fight of Alpha-1.  If you are struggling financially, then I ask, if you smoke, stop.  Cigarette smoke is the most dangerous element that one with Alpha-1 can be around.  You can help by kicking the habit and help clear the air that we breathe.  This disease affects both the lungs, and the liver, and the more we can clean our air, the eaiser it will be for us to breathe.  Please join our fight, and contribute in anyway you can.  I thank you, and my children thank you! Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  For more information regarding this disease, click on the link to Alpha-1 Foundation. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support-- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  Keep a smile in your heart!  The Bullock Bunch!