[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1088-E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING FRED WALSH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 29, 2024

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Fred 
Walsh. Born on February 4, 1949, to parents Helen and John Walsh, Fred 
was raised in Arlington, Massachusetts, alongside his sisters, Susan 
and Judith, and his twin brother, John. After graduating from Arlington 
High School in 1967. Fred went on to receive his bachelor's degree in 
history from the University of New Hampshire and his master's degree in 
school counseling from Suffolk University. Following in his father's 
footsteps, Fred taught and coached

[[Page E1089]]

football at a local high for several years, before joining a midsized 
construction company.
  Unfortunately, Fred's health forced him to leave construction after 
he and his twin were diagnosed with Alpha-1 in 1989. Alpha-1 
Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic condition that increases a person's 
risk of developing lung and liver disease. Although there is currently 
no cure for Alpha-1, Fred always remained a vocal advocate for 
advancing research on the condition and supporting those also impacted 
by Alpha-1.
  Over the years, Fred was deeply involved in both the Alpha-1 
Foundation and AlphaNet, sister organizations co-founded in 1995 by 
Fred's twin, John. AlphaNet provides educational resources and health 
management services to members of the Alpha-1 community by connecting 
them with trained AlphaNet coordinators who also have Alpha-1. The 
Alpha-1 Foundation is a nonprofit focused on advocacy and advancing 
research on the condition. For many years, Fred served on the Executive 
Board of the Alpha-1 Foundation, including in the role of Vice Chair, 
and worked as an AlphaNet coordinator for nearly three decades.
  After John passed in 2017, Fred worked to have legislation introduced 
in his brother's honor. The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act 
would allow for Medicare coverage of at-home augmentation therapy for 
Alpha-1 patients. For over three decades, Fred was a tireless champion 
of the Alpha-1 community, helping recently diagnosed members navigate 
the condition and continuously fighting to find a cure and improve 
treatment options.
  Sadly, we lost Fred too soon on September 29, 2024, at the age of 75. 
Above all, Fred was a devoted husband to his wife, Pamela, and father 
to their daughters, Chase and Kailey. Fred's commitment to helping the 
Alpha-1 community throughout his time with the Alpha-1 Foundation and 
AlphaNet serves as an example to all, and his legacy will carry on 
through all those who had the great fortune of knowing and working 
alongside him.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Fred Walsh, and I ask that my 
colleagues join me in recognizing his lifetime of advocacy and 
dedication to supporting others with Alpha-1.

                          ____________________