Author
Marion Wilkens, Chairwoman of Alpha 1 Germany eV, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 1/2023.
Dear Alphas, dear family members and dear Alpha1 enthusiasts,
Dear Alphas, dear family members, and dear Alpha1 enthusiasts, we worked towards this for a long time, planned it, and even booked a venue in Kassel, but we had to cancel it again. The pandemic and its unpredictable consequences made it difficult for us to finally hold our anniversary event. Now we've finally made it happen: a 20+2 anniversary celebration full of joyful reunions, full of emotions, and – something easily forgotten – full of hard work, especially in the weeks leading up to it.
Thanks to an excellent board team, the help of Katrin and the many understanding members when things took longer than expected, this celebration was possible.
I don't know how many times I've watched the anniversary video now; it shows what we are: a great association with active members, a well-connected patient organization with advisory boards and doctors who go far beyond the call of duty for us, and a very special, warm-hearted group of Alpha-1 patients and Alpha-1 friends!
I am grateful to be part of this network, well informed and, above all, well looked after and supported.
Unfortunately, there aren't only reasons to celebrate; our condition is serious, and we still have a lot to achieve. We need optimal care, personalized treatment, a dedicated Alpha-1 guideline, access to everything that benefits us, and informed doctors everywhere, not just in large centers. We should see digitalization as an opportunity and a way to be diagnosed earlier and receive the best possible treatment. All of this requires effort, and we are delighted to see that more and more people with Alpha-1 are willing to get involved and stand with us.
I'm optimistic about the future; we've already achieved a great deal and will continue to push forward. We'll be reporting on our progress at the already planned information day in 2024 and at many other events. And I'll be there for the next anniversary, whenever we celebrate it—will you?
Take care of yourself
Her
Marion Wilkens
