In June of 2009, William Reese was to be the inspirational speaker at the Alpha-1 Association national education conference in San Francisco. Due to illness he couldn't attend, so out of desperation he assembled this DVD on his computer. When it was presented at the conference, the reception was so overwhelmingly positive that the Alpha-1 Foundation wanted to share this inspirational message with you. A generous donation from an Alpha-1 family has covered the cost of production and distributing DVD's through the Alpha-1 foundation.
"I did this project in the hope it would awaken the urgency needed to live our lives to the fullest without delay," said Reese. "I realize there are many cons to knowing that your life may soon come to an end, but there may be a few pros as well. For one, it gives us the chance to right wrongs and make some moves we might have left on hold to the point that we never get them done. The message is not meant to be sad or morbid, but uplifting. It might encourage you to take up a lifestyle, a hobby or a trip you never had the time to do. Now you have the chance to tell a friend or family member how much you love and admire them, because it no longer seems maudlin or embarrasing."
"Thank you to all my friends, family and loved ones who have made my life complete, and thanks to God for making you all available to me."
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic condition which may result in lung or liver disease. It is the most common known genetic risk factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is sometimes referred to as "genetic COPD." It may also result in cirrhosis of the liver.
