Good News for Alpha's

 A lot of people will see the headlines and think it's a great thing that another treatment has been found, and perhaps speculate on the pharmaceutical financial motivations for creating another drug. But for anyone with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, this is BIG news!  I, and others like me, have suffered greatly from the effects of a mutated gene.  For me it meant lung function decline, cirrhosis, kidney failure, heart failure and encephalopathy.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I got a new liver.  Although the process was long, grueling and filled with hurdles, I made it to the other side. Many don't.  AATD steals years from mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings. To us, this news is HUGE!

Saint Louis University and Industry Partners Discover Treatment for Rare, Genetic Liver Disease

I'm looking forward to the day when no one has to go through what I've gone through the past 15 years of my life.  I was sick throughout my late 30's and my 40's.  This year I celebrated 50 and am feeling better than I imagined I could ever feel again. I'm beyond grateful!  But... I hope none of my children or grandchildren have to experience what I have, so yeah! for a treatment/cure.

 

2020

2022

Almost two years post-transplant and thankful for every new day!