Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetically inherited condition that increases the vulnerability of a person’s lungs to external factors like smoking, pollution, or other environmental irritants. Alpha-1 can often lead to other lung diseases, such as COPD or bronchiectasis. Because the symptoms of Alpha-1 are similar to common COPD symptoms, the disease can go undetected for years. According to an article published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine in 2016, it’s estimated that Alpha-1 affects approximately 100,000 Americans, yet less than 15,000 of these patients have received a clinical diagnosis.

In 1994, after years of being told that asthma was causing his troubles with breathing, Len Geiger was diagnosed with Alpha-1, which had also caused him to develop a severe, progressive, and irreversible form of COPD. Mr. Geiger lost over 60 percent of his lung function and required IV infusions weekly. Within two years, he was unable to work due to the progression of his illness. He took steroids to improve his breathing, but the treatments prevented blood from reaching his hips, which eventually had to be replaced. These surgeries made exercise even more challenging, which was critical for maintaining his remaining lung health. Mr. Geiger said motivating himself to maintain a positive attitude through these challenges helped him persevere.

In 2002, Mr. Geiger underwent a nearly nine-hour double lung transplant procedure. Within a few days after the surgery, he was walking on a treadmill again faster than he had been able to in years.

Mr. Geiger will be the keynote speaker for the Plenary Session at the ATS 2025 International Conference from 11:45 – 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, May 20, in the Moscone Center. The Plenary Session is always a highly anticipated session at the International Conference, embodying the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care to unite the global respiratory community by spotlighting the stories shaping the future of respiratory medicine.

As an Alpha-1 advocate and speaker, Mr. Geiger promotes awareness, early detection, and treatment while also supporting other individuals who are diagnosed with the disease. As a Practice Development Specialist at Evexias Health Solutions, he also works with health care providers to implement cutting-edge bioidentical hormone replacement therapies. Over the past two decades, Mr. Geiger has emerged as a national voice for rare disease advocacy by connecting with audiences across the country through media campaigns, educational initiatives, and powerful keynote presentations.

Mr. Geiger will share his compelling story of resilience, hope, and the profound connections that can transform the lives of patients and their care teams. His address will challenge attendees to ponder how the medical community can foster greater collaboration, empathy, and innovation to improve the quality of life for these patients worldwide. Regardless of attendees’ health care specialty, Mr. Geiger’s message will leave all energized and empowered to make a difference.

The Plenary Session will also include the ratification of the 2025-2026 slate of ATS leaders, as well as remarks from outgoing president Irina Petrache, MD, ATSF, and incoming president Raed A. Dweik, MD, MBA, ATSF. The following awards will be presented during the session:

• Outstanding Educator Award
• Research Innovation & Translation Award
• Outstanding Clinician Award
• Philip Hopewell Prize for Leaders in Global Respiratory Health

ATS thanks GSK for their generous support of the ATS 2025 Plenary Session.