It's Not The Load That Breaks You,
It's The Way You Carry It.

Hi, my name is Gayle.  I am so glad you stopped by.  I am 40 years old and live in Hurricane, West Virginia.  In January 1998 I was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD).  During that time I spent many hours searching for more information on this genetic disease.  I hope this page will help you find the information and support you need.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

You can't see my lung disease

I would like you to meet my children.  Leigh Anne is 17 and Wesley is 13.  In this picture, they were much younger and actually seem to like each other!  :-)  They really do.  They are great kids and I love them very much.

Since my diagnosis, I have been determined to try and make a difference for others in the future relative to this disease.  I am one of the support group leaders for alpha1 in West Virginia, as well as an advocate.  I am employed by AlphaNet Inc., the only non-profit company providing comprehensive services exclusively to the alpha-1 community.  As an AlphaNet Coordinator, my service area is West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, DC. I am the past editor of the quarterly publication for support group leaders entitled AWARE, which is published by the Alpha-1 Association.  My support and strength in dealing with alpha-1 comes from what I can give back to the alpha-1 community.  This is my therapy and my reward.

Places to Visit:

For more information on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency call the following numbers toll free:
Alpha-1 Association  1-800-521-3025
Alpha-1 Assoc. WV Support & Educational Group (304) 562-4144 or 1-877-WVALPHA
AlphaNet  1-877-982-5742 (WV, VA, NC,& DC)
or 1-800-577-ANET (for all other states)

Alpha-1 Association
AlphaNet Web Page
Alpha One Foundation
Alpha2Alpha Main Page

Eric Hansen alpha singer/songwriter
Mary's Web Page

Thank you so much for stopping by.
I look forward to hearing from you.
You may also contact me at
gayle.allison@verizon.net
or at gallison@alphanet.org
Hope to hear from you soon!
                                         Gayle