It is with great sadness that we share the news that AlphaNet Coordinator Kathleen Brown passed away on February 16, 2023. Kathleen joined AlphaNet as a Coordinator in 2012 and was dedicated to helping her Alphas get the assistance, education, and support they needed.

“Kathleen joined AlphaNet in October 2012 and often said how much she enjoyed speaking with her subscribers and colleagues who shared the same condition. She treated her fellow Alphas like instant family members. It just came natural to her. She had a great sense of humor and was a delight to be around. Kathleen will be deeply missed by all,” Prolastin Director Manager Doreen Flook said.

Kathleen’s Alpha-1 diagnosis journey started in 1990 when she started experiencing pleurisy (inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity) and had a nagging cough. She went to the ER and the doctor informed her that something was wrong after looking at her lung X-rays. Kathleen was then sent to a pulmonologist who was familiar with Alpha-1 and he tested her for it. She was diagnosed as a ZZ.

Prior to working at AlphaNet, Kathleen attended school to become an emergency medical technician.  She received her medical technician certificate and started volunteering on an ambulance and for the American Red Cross as an Advanced First Aid Instructor. This gave her a deep appreciation for helping people. Working on an ambulance was extremely physically demanding so Kathleen was forced to give up this passion.

During her time at AlphaNet, Kathleen acknowledged how much she appreciated working with people who are loving and genuinely care about their fellow Alphas and each other. In her spare time, Kathleen was an antique dealer, appraiser, and collector.

To view Kathleen’s obituary, please visit www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kathleen-brown-obituary.