Navigating Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Patient’s Journey
Season 5 – Episode 2
with Lee-Andrew Wismach
Listen to the eXpand Podcast and join experts clinicians as we dive into chronic lung diseases and eXpand your practice.
After launching Season 5 of The Expand Podcast with a conversation on advocacy and access, we now bring you a deeply personal story—told from the perspective of someone living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and emphysema.
About this Episode
In this powerful second episode, we sit down with Lee-Andrew Wismach, who was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and emphysema. Interviewed by Dr. Jean Bourbeau, Mr. Wismach shares his firsthand experience: how he went from ignoring early symptoms to receiving a life-changing diagnosis, navigating a complex healthcare system, and ultimately advocating for his own care.
Through his voice, we gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with a rare disease, how access to augmentation therapy changed his life, and the importance of rehabilitation and lifestyle in managing chronic respiratory illness. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment.
Today You Will Learn:
- What it’s like to live with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and emphysema
- How early symptoms can be overlooked and why they matter
- The barriers patients face in accessing life-saving treatment
- The role of rehabilitation in building endurance and regaining quality of life
- Why advocacy and self-awareness are critical in chronic disease management
Our Special Guest
Lee-Andrew Wismach is not only a patient but an advocate. His message is clear: no one should have to fight alone for the care they need. By sharing his story, Mr. Lee-Andrew is helping build awareness and understanding for those living with rare genetic conditions like AATD.
Mr. Wismach is a general contractor from Montreal living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD). After years of being misdiagnosed, he fought for the right tests, secured access to Prolastin-C therapy through political advocacy, and now uses his story to raise awareness. A father of three and active member of Alpha-1 Canada, Mr. Wismach encourages others to trust their instincts and advocate for their health.
Resources to go Deeper
Living Well with COPD – AATD Module: Create your free account to access our new interactive COPD modules (updated April 2025). Register now
Canadian Thoracic Society AATD Guidelines: Read the latest clinical recommendations. View the full article
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Takeda Canada to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to AATD. This initiative aims to:
- Educate healthcare professionals about the latest advancements in AATD management
- Empower patients with accurate information on accessing resources within the Canadian system
- Foster a supportive community for individuals living with AATD
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of several organizations committed to improving care and awareness for individuals living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD):
- AlphaNet Canada: Supporting patients through education, advocacy, and peer support. alphanetcanada.ca
- Innomar: An organization that specializes in helping patients access complex therapies across Canada.
- PPTA: The leading global organization advocating for plasma donation and ensuring the availability of life-saving plasma-based treatments.
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