This year's National Education Conference in Saint Paul, Minnesota marked the 20th anniversary of the Alpha-1 Association. The first one held in 1992 had almost 150 people. This year- attendance was more than 600!

The conference honored the traditions set by the first conference by blending a family reunion atmosphere with educational topics on issues of concern to the community. 

It was a weekend filled with outstanding speakers, awards, great music and lots of activities for families and children. If you would like to view photos from the National Conference, click here. If you would like to purchase a photo, click here (Packages & Pricing vary.) If your photo does not appear online or you have any issues ordering, please contact "Ley Photography” here and they will assist you.

If you were not able to attend the conference or a particular session, it is okay. Most of the presentations have been recorded and mounted on the Association's webpage. Click here to view.

Below are those that that received an Alpha-1 Association Award:

Inspirational Award- 1992 Attendees

In recognition of your outstanding inspiration to the Alpha-1 Community

Peter Smith Achievement Award- Greg Hules

With deep appreciation for your many years of dedicated service and vision as a leader and advocate for the Alpha-1 Community and for leading the charge to find a cure for Alpha-1

Dennis Pollock Spirit of Advocacy Award- Dennis Pollock (In Memoriam)

In recognition of your outstanding spirit and dedication to Advocacy on behalf of the Alpha-1 Community at the federal, state and local level

Claude Baril Communications Award- Dell Witcher

In recognition of your contribution to enhancing communication for Alphas through the Alpha-1 Family Awareness Videos, the 2011 National Education Conference Video, and your contribution to Alpha-1 News

Physician Appreciation Award- Michael A. Campos, M.D.

With sincere gratitude for your many years of dedication to Alpha-1 patients, research for the Alpha-1 Community and volunteer service to the Alpha-1 Association

Sandra K. Brantley Leadership Award-DC Young

In appreciation for your dedicated service as a Support Group Leader providing patient support, education and advocacy to Utah’s Alphas and serving as a Support Group Leader Advisor

Special Appreciation Award- Brad and Leah Zelk

In appreciation of your tireless dedication in creating awareness of Alpha-1 pediatric liver disease and serving as mentors for other parents of Alpha-1 liver affected children

Board of Directors’ Dedication Award- Janet Henderson

With sincere gratitude for your outstanding service on the Association Board of Directors, 2007-2011

Below are those that that received an Award and Recognition by the Alpha-1 Association, Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet

Alpha-1 Community Appreciation Award- Joe Zuraw

In recognition of your many years of support and dedication to the Alpha-1 Community

Kathleen M. McKay Excellence in Nursing Award- Teresa Kitchen, BSN, RN

With sincere gratitude for your many years of clinical care and service to the Alpha-1 Community

Corporate Appreciation Awards

There are four types of awards: the Core Sponsorship Award, the Supporter Award, the Champion Award and the Community Partner Award. Each Award symbolizes a different level of giving over a lifetime. Each company that moved-up a level in 2011 was recognized and honored.   

• $50,000 – 100,000 - Supporter Award
• $100,000 – 500,000 – Champion Award
• $1,000,000 – 5,000,000 – Community Partner Award
• Core Sponsorship Award- 5,000,000 or more.

Those honored at the 2011 National Conference are below:  

Core Sponsorship Award

• Baxter BioScience
• CSL Behring
• Talecris Biotherapeutics, Center for Science and Education

 Supporter Award

• Kamada Ltd

Champion Award

• Accredo Therapeutics

Below is the level at which each company currently stands:

1. Supporter Award: Kamada Ltd
2. Champion Award: Accredo Therapeutics, Centric Health Resources, Corporate Appreciation Awards, Coram Inc.
3. Community Partner Award: AlphaNet Inc
4. Core Sponsorship Award: Baxter BioScience, CSL Behring, Talecris Biotherapeutics, Center for Science and Education

Core Sponsors:

Baxter International Inc. One Baxter Parkway Deerfield, Illinois 60015 www.baxter.com www.alpha1health.com	CSL Behring 1020 First Avenue  PO Box 61501         King of Prussia, PA 19406-0901 www.cslbehring.com	Talecris Biotherapeutics 4101 Research Commons 79 T.W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Clinical Communications 1-800-520-2807 www.talecris.com
Baxter International Inc., is a global, diversified healthcare company, that applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.	CSL Behring is committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases worldwide.	Talecris Biotherapeutics is a global biotherapeutic and biotechnology company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas including immunology, pulmonology, neurology and hemostasis.

Major Sponsor:

17877 Chesterfield Airport Road Chesterfield, MO 63005 www.centrichealthresources.com