The Alpha-gal Foundation is a women-led organization driven by a mission to provide people-centered support to the AGS community through a commitment to:

  • ENGAGE communities in conversations around alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) issues and priorities.

  • EDUCATE individuals impacted by AGS, healthcare providers, and the public on AGS.

  • EMPOWER those living with AGS to navigate their lives with confidence and joy.  

What We Do:

Who We Are

Candice Matthis and Debbie Nichols started blogging as Two Alpha Gals after they were diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in 2019. Since then, they’ve been sharing tips and tricks on navigating life while living with the condition they contracted from ticks that makes them allergic to mammal meat and mammal byproducts. The Gals host a popular podcast, In the Tall Grass, offer support for living with alpha-gal syndrome, including resource guides, workshops, and a Food Allergy Mentorship Program.

Seeing further need for education and support, Candice and Debbie launched the Alpha-Gal Foundation in 2024 with a mission to foster community, empower patients, and educate the world on AGS.

With appearances in NBC News, The Today Show, NPR, The Atlantic, and many other national and international podcasts and publications, Candice and Debbie continue to raise awareness of what it’s like to live with alpha-gal syndrome without sacrificing joy. Both women live with their families in the New River Valley of Virginia where they happily practice tick bite prevention in order to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

What People are Saying…

  • “I will forever be thankful that I found Candice and Debbie when I did. Google may tell someone that AGS is simple: don’t eat red meat. What it may not tell them, is that AGS can change over time, and it’s different for everyone. The Two Alpha Gals were the first people to introduce this to me, and I only wish I would have sought them out from the get-go.”

    Hannah M.

  • “I can’t say how much I appreciate [Candice and Debbie]. The Two Alpha Gals gave me a jump start when I first found out about my Alpha Gal Syndrome diagnosis…It’s such a complicated food allergy, and I felt comfortable sharing my difficulties and triumphs…Their kindness and true caring made me look forward to our sessions together each week, and I was sad when it was over.”

    Dee N.

  • “Debbie and Candice have helped me immensely to get a grip on this condition…the best thing about them is that they are always moving in a positive direction, actually wanting you to get better and healthier. For the first time, I’m actually looking at this allergy as a good thing versus all the bad thoughts that I initially felt. They definitely helped me get to that point and I’m thankful!”

    Nick D.