Author
Marion Wilkens, Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 2/2022.
Dear Alphas, dear family members and dear Alpha1 enthusiasts,
This year, texts and presentations have often spoken of new paths. We, too, have repeatedly used these words, because after the pandemic we need a fresh start, if not a complete new beginning.
New paths, such as those Professor Ganschow intends to pursue with the children's registry (p. 37) and those Dr. Trudzinski envisions in gender medicine (p. 34). We are also exploring new Alpha1-specific avenues with the joint development of PROMs (patient-related outcome measures) (p. 33) and, last but not least, with the attempt to establish a European network (p. 24).
My dear fellow board member Gabi Niethammer is also looking for new ways, because her children (including the club's baby Alpha1) are now grown up (p. 13).
It wasn't a surprise to us, and we had already discussed it frequently. Daring to try new things while preserving what has proven successful, Ms. Niethammer is moving from the board of directors to the advisory board, where she will continue to support us as a long-standing member and family contact person with her irreplaceable experience and kind words. When I was recently ill and had to proofread texts – which was very tiring for me – Ms. Niethammer simply read them aloud and sent them to me via message, so I could listen to them and make corrections whenever my energy allowed. Sending personal podcasts is just one of Ms. Niethammer's many wonderful qualities.
Incidentally, these were the texts you are holding in your hands today.
Hopefully we will all see each other from May 5th to 7th in Bad Wildungen (p. 11) and until then, have a good winter, stay away from all viruses and bacteria and have a wonderful Christmas.
Her
Marion Wilkens
