Dear Family and Friends,
We are holding our 4th annual Iowa Get the Scoop on Alpha-1 fundraiser on Saturday, July 28th, 2012, 1-4pm. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a hereditary/genetic disorder that can cause serious lung disease in adults and liver disease in infants, children, and adults. Alpha-1 is genetic COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It is estimated as many as 1 in every 2,500 Americans may have the severe form of Alpha-1 and more than 20 million are genetic carriers. The Alpha-1 gene is passed from generation to generation. Many individuals are not correctly diagnosed until they have significant disease. Please view the video at the bottom left for more information.
My story with Alpha-1 began with my Mom. She was diagnosed in 1975 after experiencing severe breathing problems. She was 45. Since Alpha-1 is hereditary, my brother and I were tested and I was found to have the severe deficiency and my brother was a carrier of the deficient gene. My Mom lost her battle to Alpha-1 in 1984. Both of my sons are carriers of the deficient gene. I have lost over 1/4 of my lung function and receive weekly IV infusions to slow the progression of disease. I also have mild liver disease. I am actively involved in the Iowa Alpha-1 Support Group and am a Patient Services Coordinator for AlphaNet.
Please help us find the cure for this devastating disorder by donating to my page and/or joining us for our Ice Cream Social, Saturday, July 28th, 1-4pm at the Johnston Lions Club, Merle Hay Road & 64th Place, Johnston, IA. At the fundraiser you will find:
Build-your-own ice cream sundaes with all the toppings for a $6 donation
Silent Auction
50/50 Raffle
Live music
Kids activities
All proceeds go to the Alpha-1 Foundation Research for a Cure. Please help us fund the cure!
Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. 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!