Coming Face-to-Face With Those You've Helped

I have thought this many times over the last 14 years while advocating...Then, every once in a while, I’m shown again why I do this and why I enjoy doing it so much. I just recently attended The Annual National Alpha 1 Conference or as we like to call it - Annual Family Reunion. Alpha 1 is a genetic form of COPD that can cause lung and/or liver damage. Alpha 1 and COPD are what I advocate and spread awareness about.

Making my way through the booths

Anyway, if you have ever been to a health conference or conference of any kind, you know that they have booths set up where you can walk around to each one and learn more info about a product, medical company, etc., and they hand out free products and pamphlets.

Every year, the Alpha 1 Conference usually has a drawing at the end of it, usually for a trip or another great prize. If you hit every booth and have them sign your “passport” then you can have it put into the drawing. I didn't get to all the booths this year because I had volunteered for a couple of things, but when I got a chance, I walked over to a booth about liver health.

"You have no idea how much you helped me"

We all wear name tags at the conference, and the lady working at the booth noticed my name and said, “Jackie English? You're Jackie English?" I said, "Yes I am." She started to cry and told me, “You have no idea how much you helped me through my dads passing." (She and her dad both have Alpha 1 as well).

I was so embarrassed at first because I didn't recognize her face or name-just a side note-as many of you know, being an advocate you are probably in many groups like myself and make many friends in these groups. I have many Facebook Alpha 1 & COPD friends. Many I have known for years and know very well, and others I just know from seeing them in the other groups.

We laughed, cried, and hugged

I still couldn't place her, so I asked, “Are you sure you have the right Jackie?” She said "Yes, m'am." She introduced herself as Kristin, and we talked about the different groups we are in together. We laughed, cried, hugged, and then got our picture taken together. We talked about many things and cried quite a bit with each other. We talked about how important our community is to each other and I told her that when I first started advocating I thought that if I could just help one person (like I was helped when I was first diagnosed) I'd be happy.

I am so humbled. I'm so happy that I helped her when she needed it most, and she helped me more than she even knew. Her bright smile and kind eyes made me feel like we knew each other forever, and she helped to remind me why I do what I do. I'm crying again thinking about our connection that day. I almost didn't go to that booth because I was in a rush to get somewhere else. I was meant to walk up to that booth that day. I know that for a fact.

Have you had an encounter or impact like this? Please share in the comments below.