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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
Rosemary Hoffmann
703-683-7500

WASHINGTON, D.C. - - May 27, 2010 - - Senate Resolution 543, “Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research on the disorder,” has been passed by unanimous consent.   The resolution was introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and co-sponsored by Senators Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).  The companion bill, House Resolution 55, passed last December and was introduced by Representatives Ed Royce (R, 36th, CA) and Jane Harman (D, 40th, CA).   The resolutions designate May as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.

“Prader-Willi is a devastating but rarely-known condition that disrupts 1 in every 15,000 lives, including the lives of more than 200 New Jerseyans,” said Menendez. “With passage of this resolution, the U.S. Senate has officially established May as National Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month, and I am proud to have led that effort. Our hope is that this resolution will bring awareness and education about PWS and encourage continued research of this syndrome.”

“Early diagnosis is critically important for individuals with PWS.  Designation of a Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month will really help efforts to ensure that all individuals with PWS are quickly and accurately diagnosed,” said Theresa Strong, Ph.D., Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR).“We are very pleased that the resolution also expresses support for additional research to understand and eventually cure PWS.”

“This resolution will help us in our efforts to raise critical funds to support research,” said Dr. Alice Viroslav, President of FPWR. “By supporting research to eliminate the many challenges associated with PWS, this resolution gives us hope that our loved ones will be able to lead more independent, healthy, and productive lives.”

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is the most common genetic cause of severe childhood obesity.  People with PWS feel constant hunger and usually cannot live independently due to an inability to control their food intake.  The disease also causes behavioral difficulties and intellectual disabilities, making day-to-day life extremely challenging for people with PWS and their families.  All races and ethnicities are affected equally.

For more information about PWS or the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR), please refer to www.fpwr.org or contact Rosemary Hoffmann at 703-683-7500.

The text of the Resolution is available here.