This time of year is a wonderful time for everyone. Because it smells delicious and the lights are on, brightening not only our hearts.
But is that really the case? What should people with Alpha-1 ATM be aware of?
We're supposed to avoid open fires, incense is also out of the question, and what about the delicious food?
There are people who struggle a lot with weight loss. To them I can say, don't let anything stop you, eat what you want and enjoy the moment. But people like myself, who struggle with being overweight, find it hard to always say no when chocolate Santas and the like come our way.

I wish you a wonderful Advent season; perhaps we'll see each other here and there at a Christmas market. Then we can enjoy some mulled wine and chat about our plans for the new year.
We might see some of you online as well. The offer to join the free video chat every Thursday at https://www.alpha1-deutschland.org/einladung-zum-woechentlichen-online-cafe will continue.

For almost a year now, when I'm not on the motorway, I've been sitting here in front of the computer and would be very happy to see your faces more often.

Every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM I keep the channel open; of course, there's no limit to how long you can stay if you want to talk.

Best regards, Udo from Leipzig

Udo Held

On April 2nd, 2022, Grifols held an AlphaCare regional event in Leipzig on the topic of 'Vacation with Alpha-1'. Impressions and content can be found in the following presentation:

Udo Held, Group leader of the self-help group Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt

On May 7, 2022, we, the SHG Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt of Alpha1 Germany eV, had the opportunity to present ourselves with an information stand at the market as part of the Inclusion Action Week Leipzig.

From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., we were able to have many interesting conversations with other people affected by disabilities who want to participate in city life. With glorious sunshine and live music, it was a very pleasant way to present our work to the self-help group again after what felt like forever.

At first, we were able to prevent our flyers from blowing away by using the tins from our peppermint candies. But the later it got, the fewer of the tins were left on the table. . Everything went perfectly that day. We would like to sincerely thank the organizers of this event for the opportunity to present ourselves here.

Many familiar faces were present with their stands, including the LOT Oxygen and Respiratory League eV Regional Group Leipzig.

You can find the self-help groups that exist in Leipzig and the surrounding area on the following website: Self-help groups and associations – City of Leipzig

But now, here are a few photos of our impressions from May 7th, 2022 at the Leipzig market.

Udo Held, Group Leader SHG Saxony & LSA

On March 12, 2022, we held an in-person meeting at Rudelsburg Castle near Bad Kösen, together with the German Oxygen and Respiratory League LOT e.V. Twenty people had registered for the meeting in advance. Unfortunately, due to current health reasons, not everyone was able to attend.

We had the castle's Great Hall at our disposal, which allowed us to present ourselves. As soon as we arrived at the parking lot, we marked our spot.

We entered the castle grounds slightly late, but the 3G rule allowed us to go inside the restaurant. In the Great Hall, we split up between two tables: one for us "alpha males" and the other for the LOT Oxygen League. Unfortunately, their group leader couldn't attend. Despite having received his fourth COVID-19 vaccination, he was hospitalized with pneumonia and a positive PCR test. This has already sparked questions about whether to continue getting booster shots. But I suppose everyone should discuss that with their doctor.

Before we started eating, we began with a round of introductions, as we were also able to welcome our new, young members for the first time at a meeting.

After being treated to delicious food by the kitchen, we talked about the past months, long-term oxygen therapy, and how to handle oxygen while traveling, which then led us to the next topic.

The Alpha-Care Regional Day will take place on April 2nd, 2022 in Leipzig, organized by GRIFOLS under the 2G-Plus agreement. The topic will be: Alpha-Care: Holidays and travel with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Then we moved on to the active movement part of the meeting, with most of the participants of the LOT Oxygen and Ventilation League saying their goodbyes beforehand.

Blue skies, wide views – it was a truly beautiful, warm spring day that we were able to spend there. Between Rudelsburg and Saaleck Castle on the bright banks of the Saale River.

Unfortunately, the young family then had to leave us, and we, the last remaining active group members, drove to Bad Kösen, where we continued our discussions over ice cream, cake, and coffee in the spa café.

For us it was a perfect day.

We've already received some initial feedback on the meeting, which shows me once again: we're doing a really good job!

Due to the low turnout of our members this time, we have not yet set a follow-up date.

I hope that we will also receive new input from the young family and that we can recruit them as deputy group leaders.

I would like to sincerely thank the active self-help group members for participating in the meeting – despite the rising number of Corona cases, which have now been with us for three years… or are we with them?

Greetings from Leipzig

Udo Held

Impressions

Udo Held, group leader of the self-help group Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt

On March 12, 2022
Location: Rudelsburg

11:00 AM Meeting in front of Rudelsburg

Car parking spaces are available in front of the castle, then there will be a short walk, so please make sure we support other members!

12:00 After the organizational matters, we move on to the more relaxed part of the meeting: the meal.

We have reserved a table for our members; everyone can then choose their food and drinks from the menu.

2:00 PM We will start with a tour through and around the castle grounds.

Here too, everyone decides for themselves who wants to and is able to participate. There's no obligation to exercise, but it would be good so there's room for cake with coffee again.

3:00 PM Coffee break with a relaxed end to the first meeting of 2022.

Changes to the schedule are sometimes unavoidable; we ask for your understanding if changes to the schedule occur.

Please confirm your participation in the meeting by February 28, 2022!

Please use the contact options listed here.

Email: shg.sachsen-sachsenanhalt@alpha1-deutschland.org

Tel.: 0341 24730453

Please leave a message on the answering machine if I am not personally available.

Udo Held

Group leader of the
Self-help group Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt

More information about the location: Rudelsburg Castle Restaurant – Historical and culinary delights in Bad Kösen

Udo Held, Group leader of the self-help group Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt

Dear members, relatives and interested parties,

We wish you a Merry Christmas and, despite the circumstances, a happy and healthy start to 2022, where we have many surprises in store for you.

After two years of the Corona pandemic, it has almost become commonplace that meetings can only take place online.

We are now taking advantage of this additional opportunity and cordially invite you to communicate with us in a relaxed setting. We are committed to complying with data protection regulations and therefore only use a German company: www.senfcall.de
The room will be called: SHG Saxony and LSA Alpha1 Germany

Currently, we open this room every Thursday from 5:00 PM until late.

To enter, simply click on the link below:

https://lecture.senfcall.de/shg-5fy-rdm-w5i 

We look forward to seeing many of you there.

It's an additional event and can be expanded as needed. Other days and times are possible.

Best regards until then

Udo Held
Group leader of the
Self-help group Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt

In silent remembrance, we bid farewell to Dietmar Hauke, who suddenly and unexpectedly closed his eyes forever on December 5, 2021.
We stand with Carola and the children, and wish you strength during this difficult time.

We'll see each other again someday… ♫♪♫♪