Remembering the Life and Impact of Ken Smith
Kenneth (Ken) Smith, 62, of Sarasota, FL, died peacefully on March 7, 2023, at Tidewell Hospice House with his life partner, Patty LaRoche, by his side. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Wilma and Clinton Beauford of Pittsburgh, and his sister, Kathy Smith. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Roland...
Harmony Biosciences Shares Statement Regarding Narcolepsy Drug WAKIX
In response to yesterday’s news from Scorpion Capital regarding Harmony Biosciences, we have received the below community-facing statement. Harmony Biosciences shares information about the company’s drug WAKIX, which is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in adults with Narcolepsy. If you have questions, please reach out to info@pwsausa.org. —————————————————————————- On behalf of...
Harmony Biosciences Encouraged by New Data in Pitolisant Phase 2 Study
This morning, PWSA | USA received new information from Harmony Biosciences regarding its Phase 2 study of pitolisant. This study's purpose is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The company shared the following community-facing statement: "Today, Harmony Biosciences announced topline data on the primary outcome, excessive...
PWSA | USA Announces Keynote Speaker for 2023 National Convention
We are excited to announce the Keynote Speaker for PWSA | USA's 2023 National Convention, Cristol Barrett O’Loughlin who is is the Founder and CEO of A ANGEL AID CARES (Nonprofit Group Enriching Lives, Inc.) You won't want to miss her motivational and inspirational message! Cristol's Keynote speech title is Caring for the Caregivers: From brokenhearted to belonging...
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.