Join me in my efforts to support the

Alpha-1 Foundation!

Many of you may know my friend, Jon Hagstrom. Jon and I met while both working at Andersen Consulting (Accenture) back in 1995. We have been close ever since and, in our ACN days, we traveled all over the world (well mostly Latin America and Eurpope).

In 2010, I learned that Jon had a rare life-threatening disease called Alpha-1. I had never heard of it and many of you may not have heard of it either. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic (inherited) condition – it is passed from parents to their children through their genes. Alpha-1 may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age.

Well, Jon’s resulted in serious lung disease. By the time 2014 arrived, Jon had to retire and utilize oxygen often. Soon after, he had to relocate his family near Duke university where he received therapeutic treatment and awaited a bi-lateral lung transplant (both lungs). Jon is tall so he waited quite some time for a match. Luckily, Jon finally received his new lungs in 2016. The surgery and recovery were a success. Jon had a new leash on life.

I can tell you, Jon is doing very well. I was just with him in Nashville for a 20 year Andersen reunion. We rode a bike nearly 20 miles together in just 2 hours. On September 10th, Jon rode 54 miles on his 54th birthday. Quite the accomplishment! He also was announced as the new Chair for the Alpha-1 organization. Jon has made it his mission to fight this disease and I am making it my mission as well.

So, this year, I have decided to join Jon’s Team, Team Alpha Dogs, in Riding for a Reason. On September 24th and 25th, we will ride 75 miles in Cape Cod. I’ll be riding with Jon and several other friends. We have a goal to raise $10,000.  I want to help Jon, and other like him, survive and beat this disease. I hope you will consider helping the cause. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.