Life After the Mines: Harold’s Story with Alpha-1
Harold Phillips spent 23 years working in coal mining, where long-term exposure to coal and silica dust is a known health risk. Today, he lives with a disability caused by that exposure. His Alpha-1 diagnosis story is a clear example of the serious impact this work can have on miners’ health over time.
A Surprising Diagnosis: Understanding Alpha-1
After undergoing surgeries to recover from a work-related accident, Harold received more difficult news—his lungs were in poor condition. Around the same time his brother received a similar diagnosis, Harold learned he had Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that affects lung function.
“[It wasn’t] until I found the right lung doctor [that I got a diagnosis]. And I was surprised to learn that most doctors didn’t know what Alpha-1 was.”
Alpha-1 is a genetic condition passed from parent to child through their genes and may result in serious lung disease and/or liver disease. Though his brother required a double lung transplant, Harold consulted with his doctor in 2012 to start weekly infusions aimed at slowing the progression of his lung damage and potentially avoiding a transplant himself.
Facing the Future: Finding the Right Support
At first, Harold struggled to keep up with the cost of these infusions until his doctor encouraged him to contact Accessia Health for assistance. Because of the support he receives from our Alpha-1 patient program, Harold has the ability to continue taking care of his ongoing medical needs.
“Everything is going great. I do what my doctor and nurses tell me [to do] and I’ve haven’t had any problems getting my [medication] after all these years.”
By sharing his experience with Alpha-1 and advocating for treatment, Harold hopes he is able to inspire others with this disease to keep a positive mindset and take their health seriously.
“You have to stay positive and don’t let it get you down. I say, ‘stay strong and you can do this.’ I have a better outlook on staying healthy.”
A Lifeline Through Accessia Health
If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, visit our Patient Programs page to learn more and apply. For those like Harold, Accessia Health is here to ensure you get the help you need for a better quality of life.
“I don’t think I would be living today if I didn’t get help from Accessia Health when I did.”
Treatment for Alpha-1 can be complex and costly. Accessia Health’s Alpha-1 Patient Assistance program is designed to provide flexible spending on healthcare costs related to the disease. Learn more and apply here.
Additional resources for patients and caregivers include: