Governor declares November ‘Alpha 1’ awareness month, Michigan

By JERRY WOLFFE Of The Oakland Press

Bringing awareness to the need for early detection of a genetic disorder that can cause permanent and even fatal organ damage is the main theme of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Month in Michigan.

The condition, known as Alpha-1, affects the lungs and liver in children and adults.

Representatives of the Alpha-1 Association, Michigan doctors who treat and advocate for patients with the disease and CSL Behring, a company that markets and manufactures protein-based therapies, joined Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm for the signing of a proclamation declaring November Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Month in Michigan.

The goal of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Month is to increase public awareness of the condition through screenings, conferences and events to encourage early detection and also organ donation.

Lung transplantation is an option sought by many Alpha-1 patients as the disease progresses.

“Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as asthma, chronic bronchitis or early-onset of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” said Dr. Sridhar Reddy. “People with chronic breathing problems or unexplained liver disease could be suffering from Alpha-1 and should ask their doctor about being tested. A simple blood test is all that is required.”

It is estimated that as many as 95 percent of people with Alpha-1 deficiency are not diagnosed, and that as many 100,000 people in the United States have the serious genetic disorder.

Alpha-1 is caused by the lack of a protein that is made in the liver and which protects the lungs from germs, dust, air pollution, smoke and other inhaled irritants and can be responsible for the early-onset of emphysema in adults.

Jeannette Therrian of Clarkston, who also attended the proclamation signing Nov. 9, became an Alpha-1 support group leader after attending a weekend seminar in Ann Arbor sponsored by the Alpha-1 Association.

Therrian said she was motivated after meeting so many great people who share a common medical condition in the Alpha community, either by being diagnosed with Alpha-1 or having lost a family member to the disease.

“I myself lost a brother and sister to Alpha-1,” Therrian said, noting she had six siblings, three of whom who do not have the disease.

“This is what inspired me to get the word out about being tested. If diagnosed and treated early, the chances of improving a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy may increase. Certain lifestyle changes early on such as living a smoke- and alcohol-free life and avoiding occupations that expose one’s body to harmful elements including smoke, fumes and chemicals, can also contribute to quality of life and longevity.”

A fundraiser is scheduled for Dec. 4 at American Legion Post 377, 4819 Mary Sue, Clarkston. Doors open at 3 p.m. For information, call 248-736-5804.