The Alpha-1 Association hosted its 19th Annual National Education Conference on June 11-13, 2010 in Orlando, FL.  A record-breaking 603 attendees gathered at the Hilton Walt Disney Resort to hear the latest on Alpha-1 and its treatments and to meet others that came from across the country. Families and friends reunited for an exciting weekend ready to take action.

It was a weekend filled with outstanding speakers, great music and lots of activities for families and children to participate in.  Alpha-1 Kids provided entertainment and games for the children while the parents were able to attend the meetings. 

The conference began on Friday with an overview of Alpha-1 for newly diagnosed patients and first time attendees by Dr. Mark Brantly.  Friday evening the Alpha-1 Community gathered at the Town Hall Meeting to hear the Alpha-1 Association’s annual report from the Board of Directors. 

Saturday morning kicked off with the keynote address provided by Dr. John Mulvihill from University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He gave a wonderful presentation on the importance of understanding genetics and family testing.  His presentation was followed by a Family Awareness and Testing Panel that included Dr. Mark Brantly, Dawn McGee, MS, CGC, Dell Witcher, Diego Shmuels, M.D., MSN and the Johnson family.  John W. Walsh gave an update on research for Alpha-1 and during his presentation Ruth and Gordon Cadwgan announced that they are generously contributing $1 million to help find a cure for Alpha-1.  Miriam O’Day concluded the morning sessions by explaining health care reform and what it means to Alphas.

The Saturday afternoon breakout sessions included 12 presentations from the leading doctors and health care professionals on Alpha-1.  On Sunday morning, our younger attendees (and some adults) were in for a treat as they had breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George.  Dr. Sandy Sandhaus gave a great presentation on the importance of exercise and Dr. Jeffrey Teckman discussed Alpha-1 Liver Disease.  Dr. Rachel Norwood explained the emotional impact of Alpha-1 and Dr. Darrell Kotton wrapped up the conference talking about stem cell research.

If you were unable to attend the conference, you will have the chance to download the presentations by next week. Don’t forget to save the date for next year as we celebrate the 20th Annual National Education Conference in St. Paul, MN, June 10-12, 2011!

This year’s award recipients were:

Advancement of Research Award – Jeffrey H. Teckman, M.D.

Alpha-1 Community Appreciation Award – William F. Reese (In memoriam)

Kathleen M. McKay Excellence in Nursing Award – Pamela Schreck, RN

Board of Director’s Dedication Award – Darrell Nall, Don Rabush, Ed.D

Special Appreciation Award – Angela McBride

Physician Appreciation Award – Mark Brantly, M.D.

Claude Baril Communications Award – Jen Bauernfeind

Sandra K. Brandley Leadership Award – Ruth and Gordon Cadwgan

Inspirational Award – Robert “Bob” Haggerty (In memoriam)

Peter Smith Achievement Award – John W. Walsh

Special Recognition Award – Jan Petersen

Helen Chase Walsh Award- Kathy Haduck

 2010 Core Program Sponsors                

Major National Conference Sponsor