Alpha-1 Foundation Celebrates Alpha-1 Awareness Month This November

Online, November 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - MIAMI, FL - People across the United States are sharing their stories and creating awareness of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) throughout November, marking Alpha-1 Awareness Month.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. More than 12 million people have been diagnosed with COPD. Up to 3% of those diagnosed with COPD may have Alpha-1, the most important known genetic cause of COPD.

While it is estimated that another 12 million people in the U.S. may have COPD and not know it, under-diagnosis is much worse with Alpha-1. The condition affects at least 100,000 people nationwide, but less than 10 percent of those living with Alpha-1 have been properly diagnosed.

The Alpha-1 Foundation has invested over $42 million to support Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research and programs in nearly 90 institutions in North America, Europe and Australia.

Every day in November, The Alpha-1 Foundation will post an "Alpha-1 Fact" on Facebook. We encourage our more than 1,400
Facebook Friends to share those updates with their friends.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alphafriend and ask us how to get one of our "Ask me about Alpha-1" awareness buttons too!
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About the Alpha-1 Foundation:
The mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection, and a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. For information, visit www.alpha-1foundation.org.