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Adults with PWS Advisory Board Spotlight: Victor Penta

Victor Penta is 31 years old and lives with Prader-Willi syndrome. He resides in Arizona and has been on the Adults with PWS Advisory Board since 2019. In an effort to learn more about our adults with PWS, and to shine a light on their lives and experiences, we asked our Advisory Board members some questions. Below are Victor’s responses.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at public speaking and advocating for PWS at our state capitol and in Washington DC. I am also good at being an Uncle to my niece and nephew and I am good at drawing.

What are some activities you like to do?

I like to play basketball, softball, volleyball and bowling with Special Olympics. I like to watch the UA basketball team play each season and I like to be a mentor with Young Life Capernaum, which is a club for other people with developmental disabilities.

What makes you happy? What makes you laugh or smile?

Being an Uncle makes me really happy. I can make my niece smile and my nephew laugh at me being silly. It also makes me happy to spend time with my friends.

What is something that makes you interesting?

I know all the players on the UA Men’s basketball team. I am a very caring person.

Why should people learn about PWS?

People should learn about PWS because it is a life-threatening syndrome and for them to understand my challenges. My friends and I with PWS are a lot alike, but we are also very different. It helps when people understand hyperphagia and behaviors because they are embarrassing.

What is one thing people should know about PWS?

It sucks and my brain makes me think I’m hungry all the time.

Is there something about PWS that people don’t understand?

That just because we have PWS, we are all different and we just want to be normal, like everyone else.

In what way does PWS challenge you?

As an adult, I have daily restrictions. I don’t have independence like my siblings.

How does PWS make you special?

Because I struggle with PWS, it makes me understand others who have other disabilities and their struggles. It makes me more caring for other people.

Is there something you would say to parents of newly diagnosed individuals with PWS?

I would tell the new parent it will be ok. That their child will grow up and have a good quality of life. That they will have friends and activities and be happy. That they will enjoy their time with their family.

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