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Lansing resident starts new Alpha-1 support group

Alpha-1
Dawn Bailey

Saturday, March 10, 11:00am–2:00pm, in Dyer, Indiana

by Melanie Jongsma

DYER, Ind. (February 9, 2018) – Dawn Bailey is bringing Alpha-1 support a little closer to home. In addition to leading the Chicagoland Alpha-1 Support Group, which meets in Wood Dale, Illinois, she has formed a new support group that will meet in Dyer, Indiana.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead this new group,” she said in a letter to prospective members.

The full name of the disorder is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. It’s a genetic disorder whose symptoms include shortness of breath and lung infections. Usually found in people 20–50 years old, Alpha-1 can result in lung disease or liver disease.

Dawn’s husband Rob was diagnosed at age 42, and the Baileys began learning everything they could about the disease. In 2011 Dawn attended a National Education Conference and an Alpha-1 Foundation Education Day. Those events were helpful not only because of the information shared, but also because of the connections made. “We were treated like we were part of a large extended family,” said Dawn.

That support is why Dawn decided to become a support group leader. The hour-long drive to Wood Dale is why she decided to start a group closer to home.

The new Northwest Indiana Alpha-1 Support Group will meet at Franciscan Health Dyer (in the Reginald Boardroom) at 24 Joliet Street in Dyer, Indiana. The first meeting is Saturday, March 10, from 11:00am–2:00pm. Dawn will present “The Role of the Foundation in the Alpha-1 Community,” and will lead an open discussion. Lunch will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP (by March 7), contact Dawn Bailey directly:

 

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.