Beth Wiswell

My name is Beth Wiswell and I’d like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator.

My Alpha-1 journey started when I received a phone call from my youngest brother, who had been suffering with multiple respiratory infections. He called to say that he had taken a blood test which diagnosed him with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency—ZZ! He stated that all our siblings and grandchildren needed to be tested. My middle brother and I were ZZs, and my oldest brother was an MZ. Six out of ten grandchildren were MZs.

Living in denial because I was asymptomatic, I did not begin augmentation therapy until I met a great pulmonologist in 2003. He explained alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in detail, including the benefits of augmentation therapy, and that is what convinced me to start infusing. My youngest brother is now on 10 liters of oxygen 24/7, and my middle brother had a liver transplant in 2011.

I currently live in Georgia. I enjoy gardening and the outdoors, and I look forward to frequent visits from my two sons. My two dogs, Tessa and Jr. (who is blind!), keep me busy. I love to travel—especially by car.

When my AlphaNet Coordinator asked me if was interested in becoming a Coordinator, I did not hesitate to say yes! What a great job —  it includes my love of talking to and helping people. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my subscribers and getting to know the Alpha-1 community a bit better!