Dennis Pollock passed away Monday, October 4, at the transplant center in Dallas, TX, with friends and family near. He was a tireless advocate for the Alpha-1 community and a friend to us all—we celebrate him in our thoughts and prayers.

Dennis was a man with bright eyes, a teasing smile, and a natural ability to open your heart to ideas, reason, and laughter. He could find common place with a cranky senator, a lost traveler, or a grieving heart. He came to Genetic Alliance when we didn’t expect it—in response to our urgent request for an Oakie (he loved that term) to speak to members of Congress about the need for passage of genetic nondiscrimination legislation. He traveled across the country with only a day’s notice, learned quickly about the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), and joined us on Capitol Hill—bringing a heart as big as his state, a steady gaze, and a frank story of living with a genetic disorder. A couple of days later, he left town as our friend and hero. From then on, Dennis returned to his Genetic Alliance family whenever he could. And if he couldn’t be with us in person, he was with us virtually—sharing stories of fund-raising for Alpha-1, dogging elected officials, his adored wife, and the secrets of really good beef brisket.

Dennis was a petite man who walked tall, a quiet man you crowded close to for his gentle wisdom, and a healing presence who would smile, duck his head, and speak unvarnished truth.

His journey is thoughtfully presented on the Alpha-A Foundation website.