Becci Ryberg

My name is Becci Ryberg, and I am happy to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator. I live on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City Area and have been in this neighborhood for over 20 years. I have two daughters and a “bonus boy” (stepson) who has made me a bonus grandma! I have been in sales most of my adult life, with a backup job in bartending. I’ve always enjoyed helping people and have never met a stranger. My true passions also include floating my blowup kayak at the nearby city lakes, painting and crafting, thrifting and estate sales, and all things plants! I’m a pseudo-hoarder with just over 50 houseplants and several more rooting around.

I quit smoking in August 2022, but this time my lungs seem to have gotten worse instead of bouncing back like they had before. I saw a pulmonologist who said I had the lungs of an 85-year-old who smoked for 55 years, not the 42-year-old that I was. He swabbed my cheek that day and had oxygen delivered that night. My Alpha-1 levels came back below 20, and he said I was an MZ. (Over a year later, I learned that M was null.) I began infusions that December and felt like my life was over. The information I had was spotty at best, but it all seemed so expensive! It was my AlphaNet Coordinator who helped me realize this was manageable and showed me all the ways we are supported as Alphas!

I dug in deep after that, reading through everything in the Big Fat Reference Guide and listening to recorded talks on the Foundation’s website. One of those talks encouraged us to get involved in the local support group, and if there wasn’t one, we were encouraged to start one—so I became a Support Group Leader. It was so great to fellowship, commiserate, and celebrate with other Alphas. It also allowed me to attend the annual conference, which was amazing! So many Alphas in one space! I gained a true understanding of how much we are not alone. When I heard that AlphaNet was hiring for this role, I jumped on it and am so grateful for the opportunity to help others!

Now, I just try to stay healthy and safe while cherishing and living every day to its fullest!