Jim Quill

Hi, my name is Jim Quill, and I would like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Patient Services Coordinator.

I currently live with my wife in Bluffton, South Carolina and have two grown sons. Due to the extensive history of Alpha-1 in my family (mother, aunts, uncles, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews), I was fortunate to be tested and diagnosed in the mid 1980’s before I experienced any symptoms. In the late 1980’s, however; during a trip to Disney World with my family, I experienced unusual shortness of breath while swimming. A follow up visit to my physician resulted in being diagnosed with the onset of emphysema, and I was placed on a number of medications including inhalers. My health was rather stabilized for a few years. In the mid 1990’s, I began regular visits to a pulmonologist who immediately had me placed on weekly Prolastin therapy. In the late 1990’s, I began to use supplemental oxygen and eventually was sent by my pulmonologist for evaluation for lung transplant. After five years of being on the transplant list, I received my gift of a bi-lateral lung transplant on May 31, 2006 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Becoming knowledgeable about Alpha-1, attending support group meetings with other Alphas, following a healthy diet, attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program on a regular basis, and having a wonderful supportive family have truly been the keys to my living successfully with Alpha-1. Although I have had a bilateral lung transplant, I am not “cured” of Alpha-1. In fact, my physician continues to prescribe Prolastin which I take biweekly. I have a wonderful outlook on life and truly enjoy talking with other Alphas in managing their health and the daily challenges they face in living with Alpha-1.

After my transplant, I retired as an educator after 34 years in the public school system. During my career, I have worked as an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, and school principal. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, have a Master’s Degree in Education from Temple University, and certification in School Administration from the College of New Jersey. I am an active volunteer for the Gift of Life Program and attend regular support groups and educational events to remain knowledgeable about current research and issues related to Alpha-1 and lung transplant. I am very anxious to share my background of experiences to support and assist others. Know that I am always inspired by my interactions with other Alphas.

I will call you at least once a month to discuss current topics that may affect your Alpha-1. AlphaNet has a wonderful Disease Management Program that you may find beneficial. Because it is so reader-friendly and chock full of information, great lifestyle tips and medical facts, we’ve named it the Big Fat Reference Guide.

I have been privileged to learn so much from my years of regular contact with so many other Alphas. Please know that you can call me or e-mail me anytime with any question you have about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. If I don’t know the answer, I can find it for you or get you to a person who does have the answer, like one of our specially trained RNs or nationally renowned (but totally accessible) Medical Director, Dr. Robert “Sandy” Sandhaus. You can also contact me about your Prolastin® therapy, medical supplies or insurance issues, because I work with the professionals at our pharmacy every day.

Occasionally, we feel as though no one knows what we are going through with Alpha-1. Sometimes we just need the comfort of talking to someone who does. So, if there is an occasion when you have a question or an issue you want to discuss, please call me.