To the Editor:
On behalf of the Alpha-1 Foundation, we would like to enlist your support of the ongoing efforts toward their mission - providing leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection and a cure for Alpha-1 antritrypsin deficiency.
Alpha-1 is a hereditary condition passed from parents to their children through genes. This condition may result in a serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease in infants, children and adults. An estimated 20 million Americans are Alpha-1 carriers. The severe deficiency is estimated to affect 80,000 to 100,000 Americans, yet only 5 percent to 10 percent are diagnosed. Several people suffering from asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions may be dealing with Alpha-1.
You may not be familiar with this genetic disorder, but we have several individuals in our community who have Alpha-1. One of them is Joshua Liljenquist. He was diagnosed when he was 18 months old, and is a very typical healthy 14-year-old. As he becomes an adult, there is a great possibility he may develop COPD, which can cause lung deterioration. Our dream: find a cure.
We are having our third annual "Get the Scoop on Alpha-1" at the National Guard Armory, Fairmont, on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 1-4 p.m. This will be a fun-filled day for you and your family. We will have build-your-own-sundae, live entertainment, vendors, kids activities and a silent auction. Our goal is not only to raise money for a cure, but also raise awareness, which is crucial.
We would be extremely grateful if you would support the foundation's work by coming to our third annual "Get the Scoop on Alpha-1." All dollars raised go directly to the foundation to do research and help find a cure.
Trent and Julie Liljenquist
Fairmont