ALPHA-1 FOUNDATION IRELAND

The Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland was established in 2001 to raise awareness of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency...

ALPHA-1
FOUNDATION IRELAND

...to increase diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency...

ALPHA-1
FOUNDATION IRELAND

...to increase diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency...

ALPHA-1
FOUNDATION IRELAND

...to promote research into Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency...

ABOUT US

WHAT IS ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a vital protein produced by the liver to protect the lungs. It provides protection from the harmful effects of infections and inhaled irritants, particularly tobacco smoke. It can be easily measured by a simple blood test.

WHAT IS ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which can cause lung, liver, and skin disease. There are an estimated 3,000 people with severe Alpha-1 (ZZ) and 250,000 with moderate Alpha-1 (MZ) on the island of Ireland. Alpha-1 most often leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and people with Alpha-1 should avoid smoking at all costs.

HOW DO I GET TESTED?

Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland provides free testing for Alpha-1 as part of a national detection programme which is funded by the HSE. For more details ring 01-8093871 or email alpha1@rcsi.ie.

WHO ARE WE?

Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland was founded in 2001 and is based in the RCSI Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital. We are dedicated to raising awareness, increasing diagnosis, promoting research, and improving the treatment of Alpha-1. Our vision is that every person with Alpha-1 in Ireland is diagnosed and receives specialist care and treatment in a timely fashion.

SHORT FILM - WHAT IS ALPHA 1

Commissioned by the Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland in collaboration with COPD Support Ireland and funded by the Health Research Board, this educational film describes the genetic condition alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (or Alpha-1 for short).

People born with Alpha-1 do not produce enough alpha-1 antitrypsin, an important protein which protects the lungs. They therefore have increased risk for the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 1 in 25 Irish people carry the defective gene that causes Alpha-1.

POETRY BOOK - WINDOW TO MY WORLD

The late John O’Donnell from Donegal was a talented poet who developed lung disease at a young age. Limited physically by his condition, John became a keen observer of the world around him, including nature and his local community, and this inspired much of his poetry. Tragically, John passed away in 1987 at the tender age of 26. After his death his family learned that his lung disease had been caused by Alpha-1.

John’s family published a posthumous collection of his poetry and kindly presented this very special book to the Alpha-1 Foundation. If you would like to buy this book of poetry please visit the Online Shop Here. All proceeds go to the Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland.

A special thank you to the O’Donnell and Gormley families for sharing John’s beautiful collection. If you would like to read more about John O’Donnell’s story click below. 

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