Patient Support Specialists

Get support from others with Alpha-1

Our Patient Support Specialists are Alphas just like you, but they have been trained to support you as you start your journey living with Alpha-1. They provide information about therapy, answer questions, and explain the services available to you through the CareZ community.

Meet the specialists!

Click a photo to learn more about these CareZ Patient Support Specialists:

Sandra Ringgard
Patient Support Specialist, Northeast Region

"I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 2006...

after having three consecutive lung infections. I had attributed my symptoms to the diagnosis of asthma and allergies, which I was given back in 2001. I knew a family member had alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, which prompted me to get tested. Through research, I found that my parents were not the only carriers of the Alpha-1 gene – my grandparents were also carriers. This prompted me to learn as much as I could about this condition. Eventually, I became a patient mentor, helping other patients understand their diagnosis, and learn to live healthier and happy lives. As a Patient Support Specialist with CSL Behring, I am able to help provide guidance to new Alpha-1 patients and ensure they have access to any resources they may require."

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Ric Logsdon
Patient Support Specialist, South Region

"I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 2001...

after a battle with pneumonia, but had symptoms since I was 7 years old. I have two ZZ siblings and five MZ siblings. After being diagnosed and being given false information, I began to educate myself and other Alphas about living with Alpha-1 through sharing my story at my Kentucky support group and with area doctors. I went to Capitol Hill to speak with our nation's leaders about important bills affecting Alpha-1 access-to-care issues. Today, I continue to take the positive message of living with Alpha-1 and the importance of early detection to American Lung Association meetings, support groups, and pulmonologists."

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Mike Hixon
Patient Support Specialist, Central Region

"When my brother was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 1995...

it motivated me to get tested as well. My doctor told me I was a ZZ phenotype. At first, I had a normal PFT, but eventually my condition deteriorated to the point that I needed augmentation therapy. My doctor and I decided I should take Zemaira. Around the same time, my wife, daughter, cousin, and niece were also diagnosed with alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency. It made me realize how much early testing and diagnosis had affected my life and the lives of my loved ones. I became a Patient Support Specialist with CSL Behring to share the wisdom I've gained from my experiences with Alpha-1 – and to help others benefit from early testing and diagnosis."

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Diane Angell
Patient Support Specialist, West Region

"I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 1996.

It took 10 years and five doctors to receive the proper diagnosis. In those 10 years, my FEV1 dropped to 55%, losing irreplaceable lung function. As an active patient advocate since 2000, I served as the support group leader for the state of Idaho for 8 years and I am the current president of the Idaho Alpha-1 Community Outreach organization. I participate in many Alpha-1 national meetings and education days, and I serve as a patient advocate on Capitol Hill. I organize a yearly golf fundraiser, which helps support the families affected with Alpha-1. My desire is to live my life to its fullest by living my life with the disorder, not letting the disorder live life for me."

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Important Safety Information

Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human), Zemaira® is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy for adults with alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI) deficiency and emphysema. Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation therapy with Zemaira are not available.

Zemaira may not be appropriate for the following adult individuals as they may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis: individuals with a known hypersensitivity and/or history of anaphylaxis or severe systemic reaction to A1-PI products or their components, and individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibodies against IgA.

In clinical studies, the following treatment-related adverse reactions were reported in 1% of subjects: asthenia (fatigue), injection-site pain, dizziness, headache, paresthesia (tingling), and pruritus (itching).

Zemaira is derived from human plasma. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.

Please see full prescribing information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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