For many years now, we have enjoyed a partnership with the patient library (circulation over 30,000). It's not just a matter of mutually including magazines and brochures; a friendship has developed that allows us to significantly increase our awareness and visibility. For example, in the first issue of 2023, we were able to write the editorial on the topic of "People Talking," publish an article about our planned anniversary and our history, and share patient stories from some of our members.

In the second issue, we reported extensively on the anniversary, and in the third, the 40th issue of Atemwege und Lunge (Respiratory Tract and Lungs), we thanked many stakeholders, including our chairwoman: "Marion Wilkens, Chairwoman of Alpha1 Deutschland e. V., is a virtuoso, tireless networker who repeatedly succeeds in creating a 'we' from individuals and also in raising awareness for neglected topics."„

Furthermore, the article "Identical Symptoms... Different Underlying Diseases" was published, providing important information on when to consider an alpha-1 deficiency. The fourth issue was not yet available at the time of publication, but one thing is certain: Alpha-1 will be included again. Not familiar with the issues yet? No problem, you can find them on our website under Useful Information/COPD.

We're continuing to explore new avenues! As mentioned on page 10, we're now on Instagram. We've published over 65 posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Highlights from the Alpha1 YouTube channel

And in November, we are planning our first Facebook Live webinar together with Grifols (see post on the left). The webinar series by CSL Behring (page 37), in cooperation with us and with the active participation of our members, has also been a great success. We have given many presentations about our patient organization and about living with the disease (at patient days, in webinars, at pharmaceutical meetings, and also internationally).
Whatever we do, it's not enough to raise awareness of our condition and find everyone in Germany who lives with or has to live with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. We need you to spread the word and tell your story. Share your story with us. Write down everything that comes to mind. Everyone has a storyteller inside them, and that's the only way we can make our cause known!