Patty Tew

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

I live in Orlando, Florida with my husband, Butch. We have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I love to cook and to entertain friends, and we are big Florida football fans. Go Gators! I am also involved in my local church and feel at home serving others.

I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 2006 when I couldn’t shake a bad upper respiratory infection. I had noticed that I was getting sick more often and it was taking a lot longer to recover. I was diagnosed with emphysema and sent to a pulmonologist, who then tested me for Alpha-1.

Once I felt comfortable in my own skin as an Alpha, I knew I wanted to serve and connect with other Alphas. I began an Orlando support group in 2007. I wanted to offer support to newly-diagnosed Alphas on a local level, because I found that missing in my area when I was first diagnosed. As an AlphaNet Coordinator, I am privileged to provide direct support to other Alphas every day.