Author
Peddar Kukry, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 1/2023.
When I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 20 years ago, I believed my doctor, who said that everything would stay the same as long as I received the weekly replacement therapy and went for regular check-ups with the pulmonologist…
Since this statement wasn't enough for me, I searched the then-nascent internet and quickly came across Ms. Takahashi. This woman, with her Viennese charm and Japanese name, piqued my curiosity and impressed me with her highly complex knowledge of our condition. At the Alpha Day in Hamburg in 2004, I met the Alphas and had an in-depth conversation with Ms. Takahashi. Many of those present seemed a bit strange to me, a peculiar group, I thought. If it hadn't been for Gabi Niethammer and her husband, who were a good match for me in terms of age and other aspects, I probably wouldn't have remained a member of the association. Gabi became the secretary on the board, and I joined the advisory board.
After a short time and intensive discussions and conference calls (which were still very unusual back then), we on the board got to know each other better, and I enjoyed the work. Eventually, Ms. Takahashi founded her foundation and suggested I become chairman. My enthusiasm was somewhat limited, as I was already chairman of my own small sports club and, with two young children, a house, and a full-time job, certainly wasn't bored. But the other board members felt I should take on the position and that they would support me. So I became chairman, attended conferences, went to the World Alpha Meeting in Rome, and (from today's perspective) did a reasonably good job... I simply didn't feel comfortable being just Ms. Takahashi's puppet as chairman. I expressed these concerns to her in several conversations, and the friction grew, but the collaboration with Elke Sädtler-Lison, Gabi, and Gernot Beier improved steadily. I particularly enjoyed the collaboration with the group leaders from the different countries.
„"A club has developed that we members can be proud of, a club that supports members throughout Germany [...]."“
At some point, a major conflict erupted during a conference call, and I resigned as chair because working with Ms. Takahashi was becoming too much of a strain. Elke then succeeded me, although she wasn't thrilled about it either. Nevertheless, she did her job well, certainly better than I did. Due to health reasons, she had to step down, and Gernot took over. Thanks to him and his fellow board members, the association grew steadily. His inimitable, humorous, and direct manner allowed him to inspire many people in personal conversations, and membership numbers continued to rise. The association became increasingly professional, and the Alphapost, the AlphaKinder, and the advisory board were tirelessly driven to make the Alpha association something great. Gernot quickly set his sights on Marion Wilkens and persuaded her to join the board. She succeeded Gernot and has been our chair ever since. Her diplomatic and approachable manner has significantly increased the association's public profile. Thanks to her, our association is now a well-known name in the international Alpha community. With Gabi by her side, they made a great team. I find it all the more regrettable that Gabi is stepping down from her board position after such a short time (18 years). Of course, I understand her, as I myself manage the affairs of several clubs, that at some point enough is enough and space needs to be made for new people.
In conclusion: I am certainly glad that this association has developed into what it is today. Thanks to the initial impetus from Ms. Takahashi and the many members of the board, a formidable association has developed that we members can be proud of – an association that supports members throughout Germany and is brought to life by the local groups (thanks also to my group leaders Dobby and Barbara in Cologne).
