About us
About Bethany
A passionate advocate for Alpha-1 awareness, Bethany draws from personal experience to support and educate others, especially those with the MZ genotype. Her advocacy journey began after facing medical gaslighting and being dismissed as merely a “carrier,” only to later discover the serious implications of her condition. She is committed to spreading awareness that MZ patients are not just “carriers” and often face health challenges requiring specific care.
In the Alpha-1 community, which she describes as a “giant family,” Bethany has connected with others who share similar genetic backgrounds, often calling them “cousins.” She even traced an Irish ancestor linking her to a distant Alpha relative across the world. Her short-term goals include educating medical professionals in her region—spanning hospitals like Ascension, Community, IU Health, and Ball Memorial—on Alpha-1 detection and treatment, and orienting the newly diagnosed for a smoother path to managing their condition.
Outside of advocacy, Bethany is a dedicated single parent and active volunteer, especially in 4H and Girl Scouts, supporting her daughter’s projects and camping adventures. She also enjoys quieter moments with Dolly Pawton and Jolene, her Shih Tzus, and spends free time crafting, beading, and reading (having devoured over twenty novels in 2024 alone).
In the Alpha-1 community, which she describes as a “giant family,” Bethany has connected with others who share similar genetic backgrounds, often calling them “cousins.” She even traced an Irish ancestor linking her to a distant Alpha relative across the world. Her short-term goals include educating medical professionals in her region—spanning hospitals like Ascension, Community, IU Health, and Ball Memorial—on Alpha-1 detection and treatment, and orienting the newly diagnosed for a smoother path to managing their condition.
Outside of advocacy, Bethany is a dedicated single parent and active volunteer, especially in 4H and Girl Scouts, supporting her daughter’s projects and camping adventures. She also enjoys quieter moments with Dolly Pawton and Jolene, her Shih Tzus, and spends free time crafting, beading, and reading (having devoured over twenty novels in 2024 alone).
