John W. Walsh

John W. Walsh
John W. Walsh in 2012
Born(1949-02-04)February 4, 1949
DiedMarch 7, 2017(2017-03-07) (aged 68)
NationalityAmerican
Organization(s)Alpha-1 Foundation
AlphaNet
COPD Foundation
Websitealpha1.org
alphanet.org
copdfoundation.org

John W. Walsh (February 4, 1949 – March 7, 2017) was an American non-profit leader and patient advocate. After being diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, he co-founded the Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet, both of which serve people diagnosed with that condition, and the COPD Foundation, which serves people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As an advocate for alpha-1 and COPD patients, Walsh lobbied before Congress for increased research funding and medical benefits for patients, and served on a number of health-related committees and organizations.