Hello, my name is Lothar Sailer, and I'm Heike Isensee's husband. My wife has Alpha1 (PIZZ), and I consider this a "shared responsibility." I myself am fortunate to be healthy. I do a lot of sports, play music, sing (together with Heike) in a choir, and enjoy our time off in the caravan. As a father-in-law and grandfather, I'm also always there when help is needed.
Heike has been leading our regional group for several years now. I'm already involved with Alpha1 patients by regularly donating plasma and actively promoting it among my friends and colleagues – and I was also involved in filming the plasma donation video for the Alpha1 YouTube channel. Whenever possible, I also accompany Heike to events, acting as her driver and behind-the-scenes assistant, especially when she's not feeling well. I've even had to proofread some of her writing and contribute my own ideas.
I know most of the members of our regional group (or at least those who attend the events) personally and always enjoy seeing them again. Since I'm already involved, it only makes sense for me to offer myself as deputy – especially since I recently have more free time due to my phased retirement.
I'm looking forward to learning more about Alpha1 and attending as many events as possible. If Heike is unable to "take the lead" for health reasons, I'll gladly step in and am always available to answer questions from family members. After all, I know from long experience what it means to cope with an illness together with a partner.
