Hi, my name is Betsy Scher and I would like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator.
I am originally from Columbus, Ohio and moved to Chicago in 2004 to pursue a career as a hair stylist. I met my husband in 2009 in the Bucktown area of Chicago and we now reside in Highland Park, IL with our son Winston and Portuguese Water Dog named Lionel Messi. I am the second of six siblings and love to spend time with my family as much as possible. In my free time, I love to visit farmers markets, a good cappuccino, reading self-help books, fashion, walks outside, and seeing live music in the Chicago area.
My journey with Alpha-1 began in 2020. After being unable to recover from three bouts of pneumonia in three months’ time, my primary care doctor was perplexed why an otherwise healthy person couldn’t get better. Upon further investigation he referred me to a pulmonologist to get tested for Alpha-1. As it would happen, I found out that I do, indeed, have Alpha-1 and am a ZZ phenotype. I am ever so grateful for my doctor figuring this out so fast and me finding a specialist for treatment. Since my Alpha-1 journey began, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a very supportive team of friends and family.
I became an AlphaNet Coordinator after being inspired by my AlphaNet Coordinator who I looked forward to talking with every month. She helped me feel supported, educated, and inspired. I hope to do the same for you and be part of this wonderful community of Alphas!