Lisbon hosts the 7th Global Research Congress and the 10th Alpha-1 Patient Congress
More than 150 people gathered to share scientific breakthroughs, personal stories, and a shared vision for early detection and equitable access to Alpha-1 treatment worldwide.
An emotional start: the documentary Breathe Mom opens the meeting
El Congress held in Lisbon on April 4 and 5 opened with a very special screening: the documentary Breathe Mom, directed and filmed by young Alpha parents. Through their personal experiences, they recount the impact of their daughter's early diagnosis and the emotions that arise when faced with an increasingly polluted environment, which puts the respiratory health of future generations at risk.
The voice of families: the right to know, the right to act
The stories of Alpha-1 families were the emotional focus of the Congress. The message was clear: everyone should have the right to early diagnosis, whether from the newborn stage through the heel prick test, or during youth. This early detection allows for lifestyle changes and prevents disease progression.
Many mothers shared this vision throughout the meeting, such as Elena Goyanes, Anabela Lemos, and Shane Fitch herself, along with professionals such as Dr. Jardim (Brazil), who insisted on the need to carry out family screening in all countries when an Alpha case is detected in the family environment.
30 Years of Progress: An Engaged Global Community
During the congress, important advances in therapies focused on liver repair and regeneration were presented, as well as new recombinant treatments for lung protection.
Since the creation of the Alpha-1 Foundation three decades ago, thanks to leaders like John and Fred Walsh, the Alpha community has made extraordinary progress. And all of this would not have been possible without the philanthropic support of families like Leopoldo Fernández and Marilina Vilches, who drove the creation of key initiatives like the University of Florida Biobank.
Images: Alpha-1 Europe Alliance
Working for equity and real access to treatment
Today, the priority is clear: achieve early detection and equitable access to care and treatment in all countries.
At the Lovexair Foundation, we are working to offer logistical support and virtual assistance through our digital health environment. HappyAir, with a special focus on regions like Latin America, where specialists and resources to address Alpha-1 are still lacking. People like Jennifer Macdonald, from Mexico, were unable to attend the Congress, but they represent many others who need to be heard and attended to.
The new Alpha generation takes the floor
The newly formed Alpha-1 Europe Alliance works to guarantee these rights in all 27 member states. It's no easy task, but as Canada demonstrated with its recent seven-year fight to authorize augmentation therapy, the perseverance of the Alpha community is tireless.
Young people like Arran Strong and Nina López, the new Alpha ambassadors, are taking this cause to a new dimension with a fresh, powerful, and different narrative. The challenge now is to support them, strengthen youth leadership, and ensure that the knowledge and solidarity built over decades remains alive.
Our commitment: to give them a voice and keep Alpha-1 at the top
The journey continues, and at Lovexair we reaffirm our commitment to this global cause.
Let's support the next generation of Alphas so they can find their voice, their space, and their place in a more just and healthy future for all.
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