Author
Linda Tietz, Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2022.
Linda Tietz:
Hello Roland! Before we begin the interview, we would like to thank you on behalf of the board, the advisory council, and the members for your decision to take on the role of group leader! We are delighted that you will be supporting our association and, above all, our members in the Franconia region as the new group leader of the SHG Franken.
At this point, we would like to thank Sandra Böhmer for her previous service as group leader. She will continue to support us as deputy for the SHG Franken. Last but not least, a big thank you also goes to Reiner Kersten. He was previously the deputy for the now newly formed SHG Franken.
But now back to you, dear Roland. Could you briefly outline the main focuses and goals you associate with your new role as group leader? How long have you actually been active in the SHG Franken?
Roland Bühner:
First and foremost, I would like to introduce myself to the members of the SHG Franken (Self-Help Group Franconia). I would like to be a link between the board and the members. Looking ahead, my goal is definitely to organize in-person meetings and AlphaCare regional days for the SHG Franken again. Networking is also important to me. I would like to establish contacts with other regional organizations, doctors, and possibly also with politicians.
In addition, I would like to actively recruit members from among those affected and their relatives.
My motto: I want to strengthen the WE, because only together are WE strong and can achieve something!
I've only been active in the SHG Franken (Self-Help Group Franken) since taking over as group leader at the beginning of this year. Unfortunately, a very severe COVID-19 infection slowed me down at the end of March, so I haven't been able to start many activities yet.
Linda Tietz:
If you're fit again and the approaching autumn and winter don't slow us down again, how often will the self-help group meet?
Roland Bühner:
Since I only took over the SHG Franken (Self-Help Group Franken) in February of this year, and I was ill for an extended period, no group meetings have been possible yet. I would like to organize and establish one or two meetings or AlphaCare regional days per year for the SHG Franken again, as was the case before the pandemic.
Linda Tietz:
Are you also affected by AAT deficiency? Which phenotype was diagnosed in you and when?
Roland Bühner:
Yes, I am also affected by AAT deficiency. I was diagnosed with the Pi*ZZ phenotype (like my mother). I have been receiving replacement therapy since August 2018.
Linda Tietz:
And how did you find your way into the club and its work? Where and how did you first hear about the club?
Roland Bühner:
I came to Alpha1 Germany through my mother, Johanna Bühner, who passed away in 2020. She had been a member of the association for some time, and so I had occasional contact with Alpha1 Germany. I became a member myself in July 2018. I got involved with the association through Sandra Böhmer. I had offered her my help some time ago, should she ever need support. At the beginning of this year, she asked me if I could take over the self-help group as its leader, with her support as my deputy.
Linda Tietz:
You gave the right sign of support! Without people like you, club work wouldn't be possible. Do you have any experience with club work?
Roland Bühner:
Regarding voluntary work and club activities, I've done quite a bit over the last 30 years. For one thing, I was the second chairman of our local sports club for 14 years, also serving as acting chairman for a time, and since 2004 I've been the deputy chairman of the Waldberg Association of Clubs.
In 2008, I entered local politics. I served on the town council for 12 years, including three years as deputy mayor and almost a year as acting mayor. Unfortunately, this demanding political commitment, combined with my full-time job at the surveying office, led to burnout and severe depression in early 2017. After several inpatient and outpatient treatments, as well as resigning from my political offices and some of my volunteer and club work, I feel recovered and mentally strong enough to tackle new tasks and challenges. Based on these experiences, I understand the responsibility such a position entails, and therefore took some time to consider my decision to take on the leadership of the SHG Franken group.
Linda Tietz:
We are of course delighted that you have decided to join SHG Franken, and wish you much strength and joy in this task!
What does your life look like outside of club activities? Is there any time left for a hobby?
Roland Bühner:
I have been married to my wife Marissa Bühner since 2017. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking (e-biking), and I am a passionate skier; I like to go quite fast, as I ski downhill.
Professionally, I work full-time as a surveyor, a state employee of the Free State of Bavaria, at the Office for Digitalization, Broadband and Surveying in Bad Kissingen, branch office Bad Neustadt an der Saale. Since December 2019, I have also been participating in the very promising Alpha-1 study "AROAAT2002" by Prof. Dr. Pavel Strnad and his team at Aachen University Hospital. This is a very exciting and mutually respectful study experience that feels, and indeed is, a true collaboration.
Linda Tietz:
Thank you so much, dear Roland, for the interesting interview and your open words.
Roland Bühner:
Dear Linda, thank you for the interview and I look forward to the certainly exciting tasks and challenges as group leader of the SHG Franken.
