Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend) header
Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend) profile picture

Our mission is to increase awareness of and find a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Facebook (Alpha-1 Foundation) & Instagram (Alpha1Foundation).

Miami, FL
Joined July 2009
Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)Photo by Alpha-1 Foundation (@AlphaFriend)
The Kansas City A1F Education Day is coming up on Saturday, November 7th! You still have time to plan for a day of expert presentations, practical information to support your health, and connections with others who understand the Alpha-1 journey. Learn more and register today: alpha1.org/event/kansas-city…
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International collaboration is helping shape the future of Alpha-1 research! South Florida Hospital News recently featured the 2026 A1F Investigators’ Meeting, where researchers from around the world shared findings on Alpha-1 detection, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments. Read how these connections help advance the search for better care and a cure: alpha1.org/international-res…
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Alpha-1 Awareness Month begins this Sunday, November 1st! This year’s theme, “The Future of Alpha-1 Is You,” recognizes the role each of us plays in moving our community forward. Whether you share your story, encourage someone to learn about Alpha-1, or support research, your involvement matters. Discover how you can help raise #Alpha1Awareness throughout November: alpha1.org/november-is-alpha…
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A1F is proud to recognize Respiratory Care Week, October 25th–31st, and honor the respiratory therapy professionals who make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alpha-1. Your expertise, compassion, and commitment help patients navigate respiratory challenges and improve their quality of life. Thank you for the care you provide with every breath, every moment. #RCWEEK26
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Clinicians, scientists, laboratory experts, and patient representatives are gathering in Barcelona, Spain, for the first ERS Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Conference! The two-day meeting provides a forum to share new findings, exchange expertise, and explore future directions in Alpha-1 research and care. #ERSAlpha12026
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What should you know about Alpha-1 and liver health? Hear from Dr. Teckman at the Kansas City A1F Education Day on Saturday, November 7th, as he presents "Alpha-1 Liver Disease." Don't miss this opportunity to learn more and connect with the Alpha-1 community! Register today: alpha1.org/event/kansas-city…
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What could gene editing mean for the future of Alpha-1? In “A New Hope for Gene Editing,” author Gary Sernovitz shares his personal connection to Alpha-1 and explores research into base editing, an approach being studied to correct the underlying genetic mutation. Read about the science and its potential for the Alpha-1 community: alpha1.org/a-new-hope-for-ge…
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A1F is proud to exhibit at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) meeting in Phoenix, AZ, October 19th–21st. We’re joining leaders from around the world to explore the latest advances in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine and raise #Alpha1Awareness! #CHEST2026
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Living with Alpha-1 can affect more than your physical health. An Alpha-1 diagnosis can also bring emotional challenges for individuals and their loved ones. Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, and finding the right support can make a difference. Explore mental health resources, coping tools, and ways to connect with support through A1F: alpha1.org/mental-health/
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Take the next step in understanding your lung health at the Kansas City A1F Education Day on Saturday, November 7th! Hear from Dr. Riley as he presents "Alpha-1 and My Lungs: Understanding Monitoring, Treatment, and Next Steps." Gain valuable insights into managing lung health and navigating life with Alpha-1. Register today: alpha1.org/event/kansas-city…
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Every mile tells a story of determination, resilience, and commitment to the Alpha-1 community. During A1F Riding for a Reason 2026, riders, volunteers, families, and supporters gathered on Cape Cod for Escape to the Cape to raise awareness and critical funds to advance Alpha-1 research and the search for a cure. From meaningful tributes to shared accomplishments, the weekend celebrated a community united by a common purpose and its strength and dedication. Read more about this year's event and the people who made it possible: alpha1.org/a1f-riding-for-a-…
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A1F Clinical Resource Centers (CRCs) from across the country recently came together at the A1F Leadership and Scientific Summit to share knowledge, discuss the latest in Alpha-1 research and care, and strengthen collaboration across the A1F CRC network. These centers provide access to healthcare professionals with expertise in Alpha-1 and serve as an important resource for patients and families. Find your local A1F CRC and connect with an Alpha-1 specialist near you: alpha1.org/find-an-alpha-1-s…
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What are researchers discovering about Alpha-1? A1F’s September 2026 PubMed Articles feature recently published research from A1F-funded researchers, covering topics ranging from lung function and bronchiectasis to mental health, genetics, and more. Take a closer look at the latest findings and the research expanding our understanding of Alpha-1: alpha1.org/september-2026-pu…
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Progress in Alpha-1 depends on collaboration across research, healthcare, and patient support. At the 2026 A1F Leadership and Scientific Summit in Miami, researchers, clinicians, A1F Support Group Leaders, and organizational leadership gathered to exchange ideas, share emerging research, and explore opportunities to improve Alpha-1 detection, care, and treatment. From the A1F CRC Forum to the Investigators’ Meeting and Support Group Leader training, the weekend highlighted the collective efforts helping move the Alpha-1 community closer to better treatments and a cure. Read more about the summit and its key discussions: alpha1.org/a1f-leadership-an…
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Your plasma could support a therapy that someone with Alpha-1 depends on. During International Plasma Awareness Week, consider donating plasma to help make these essential therapies possible for patients who rely on them. Every donation counts. Learn more and find a donation center near you: pptaglobal.org/donate #IPAW2026
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When advocates share their stories, they help bring Alpha-1 priorities to policymakers' attention. On September 15th, 30 A1F advocates met with House and Senate offices on Capitol Hill in more than 70 meetings to build support for the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act and the SOAR Act. Read more about their efforts and A1F advocacy in action: alpha1.org/a1f-advocacy-in-a…
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Behind every plasma-derived therapy are hundreds of generous donors. A person with Alpha-1 needs about 900 plasma donations each year to receive treatment. This International Plasma Awareness Week, help us spread the word about the importance of plasma donation and its impact on the Alpha-1 community. #IPAW2026
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International Plasma Awareness Week begins today! Dr. Mary Ryan will bring the Alpha-1 perspective to "More Than Medicine: What Plasma Makes Possible for Patients" today at 10 am ET. Hear from Dr. Ryan and other patients and experts about what plasma and plasma-derived therapies make possible for those who rely on them. Watch live on YouTube at youtube.com/GivePlasma and learn more at plasmaweek.org. #IPAW2026
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Understanding the genetic differences behind Alpha-1 can help shape the future of research, diagnosis, and treatment. At the 30th Gordon L. Snider Critical Issues Workshop in Barcelona, A1F convened researchers, healthcare professionals, patient leaders, and industry partners worldwide to explore a clearer, more consistent framework for classifying SERPINA1/AAT variants. Read more about the discussions and their potential impact on the Alpha-1 community: alpha1.org/a1f-hosts-30th-gl…
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