Julie’s Journey with Alpha-1 and Prolastin

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“I really enjoy coming in,” Julie shares. “Spending my Tuesdays with the girls here has become something I look forward to.”

Overview

Through her weekly Prolastin® infusions, Julie has experienced improved breathing, renewed energy, and a better quality of life, all while building meaningful connections with a care team she looks forward to seeing each week. Her story reflects how compassionate, community-centered care can make managing Alpha-1 feel not just manageable, but empowering.

Finding Community in Care: Julie’s Journey with Alpha-1 and Prolastin

Every Tuesday, our infusion center gets a little brighter when one of our favorite patients, Julie, arrives for her weekly Prolastin infusion to treat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1). An Ohio transplant now calling Florida home, she brings with her not just a warm smile, but often a handmade craft or sweet treat for the nursing staff—small gestures that reflect the creativity and generosity that have always defined her.

Before relocating to Florida, she owned and ran her own craft business, a passion that still shows in the thoughtful creations she shares with the clinic team. Crafting, for her, has always been about connection—and that same spirit carries into her relationships here at the infusion center.

Her Alpha-1 diagnosis came about unexpectedly. After her brother was incidentally diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, the rest of the siblings decided to get tested. That decision changed her life. When her results came back positive, she began Prolastin therapy, and the impact was profound. Her breathing improved significantly, and with it came a noticeable boost in her overall quality of life—more energy, more ease, and more confidence in her day-to-day activities.

While her brother chooses to do his infusions at home, she wouldn’t trade her weekly clinic visits for anything. “I really enjoy coming in,” she shares. “Spending my Tuesdays with the girls here has become something I look forward to.” Over time, those weekly visits have turned into meaningful friendships, built on trust, laughter, and shared stories.

Known for bringing treats and handmade gifts, she has become an integral part of the clinic community. Her presence reminds us that healthcare is about more than treatment—it’s about relationships.

When asked what advice she would give to someone just starting Prolastin who might feel overwhelmed by the weekly schedule, her answer is simple and encouraging:

“Plan that one hour of your week—and have fun with it.”

Her story is a testament to how proactive care, community, and a positive outlook can transform not just health, but life itself—one Tuesday at a time.