Category: Blog

Pioneers in Advocacy for Special Education

Many students with PWS and parents have faced many challenges over the years in educating and advocating for their right to a free and appropriate education.  PWSA l USA staff have spent many hours developing handouts, participating in Individual Education Planning meetings and assisting families in addressing other educational concerns.  In 2015, The Special Education...

Hunter’s Story: Our Happy Boy!

Hunter’s Story, as told by his mom, Nicolette: “I am mom to Hunter who is almost 2 years old. We have made it through many ups and many downs over the last almost 2 years. When Hunter was born he spent 43 days in 2 different NICUs. He was born at a hospital that thankfully...

Noelle’s Story

When we initially received Noelle’s diagnosis, we grieved the loss of all the typical long-term dreams that we had for our only daughter and acknowledged that we were going to need to live our lives differently. We then decided that PWS would not define her or our family. Certainly there are parts of our lives...

PWSA | USA Expands Capacity to Serve With Transition of the Prader-Willi Care Coordination Program from The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Paige Rivard, CEO Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA (PWSA | USA) privard@pwsausa.org / 941-487-6724   Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA Expands Capacity to Serve With Transition of the Prader-Willi Care Coordination Program from The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh (May 19, 2021- Sarasota, FL) PWSA | USA, a national nonprofit organization with a...

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week Would you be where you are today, without the teachers in your life who encouraged, inspired and believed in you?  I know I would not be.  I considered being a teacher – who does not love the idea of getting out of work by three every day and having summers off? What...

Sleep Disturbances in Prader-Willi Syndrome

Sleep health is essential for everyone; it is just as important to take care of ourselves as parents and caregivers as it is for those living with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We understand that disordered sleep has implications for cognitive outcomes, mental and physical health, and work and school performance. Sleep disturbances can occur from many...

Leading PWSA | USA; Our Executive Directors

The leadership in an organization is one of the most important elements to achieving long-lasting success.   It is important for this individual to be passionate, knowledgeable and organized.  They must be a team builder as well as build and maintain alliances.  They must be vigilant in making sure there are the proper resources to maintain...

Living and Thriving with PWS (Part 3)

Living and Thriving with PWS – Love, Faith, and Future Grace By Derek Montecalvo   One day, at the residential home in Barnstable where I was living, there was a commotion outside as staff and residents transitioned a new resident into his room. A beautiful young woman happened upon my doorstep during this transition. The...

Harmony Biosciences Enrolls First Patient in Phase 2 Trial Evaluating Pitolisant For Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA and CHICAGO, IL, December 15, 2020 — Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (“Harmony”) (Nasdaq: HRMY), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for patients living with rare neurological disorders who have unmet medical needs, today announced the first patient has been enrolled in a Phase 2 trial evaluating the safety...

Living and Thriving with PWS (Part 1)

Living and Thriving with PWS – The Early Years By Derek Montecalvo   Hi, my name is Derek Montecalvo and I’m a 30-year old young adult with Prader-Willi Syndrome. I was diagnosed when I was very little via bloodwork. My parents are Gregory and Sharon Montecalvo, and I have an older brother named Aaron Montecalvo....

Holidays and Siblings

The holidays, usually filled with excitement and family connection, often mean something completely different for families with a member with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Exorbitant amounts of food, continual interruptions to the normal schedule, and extended social interactions add stress for the individual with PWS and the entire family. Siblings of individuals with PWS are already...

Holidays and PWS Food Security

Food Security: Planning for the Holidays, Family Gatherings and Parties Holidays, family gatherings, parties and FOOD go hand in hand. With thoughtful planning and proactive preparation, these events can be successful, healthy experiences for everyone. It’s important that everyone is prepared and knows the game plan. Without a plan, the person with PWS may experience...

Perseverance Against All Odds

In commemoration of Diabetes Awareness Month, contributing author Kelly Guillou, mom of Clementine (10 years old with PWS-UPD and T1D), shares her unique view on what it means to persevere in the face of two rare disorders. Perseverance is my favorite word. To me, it is the ability to push ahead, despite challenges, because the...

November Gratitude Challenge

When I reflect on my connection and gratitude toward another person in relation to PWS, Cheri Wood comes to mind. As founding members of the Texas Prader-Willi Association about 12 years ago, we share a similar passion for the well being and future of those with PWS. I was (am) dumbfounded by the challenges this disorder presents. I’m blown away by how...

Halloween Fun for Everyone!

Children, and many adults, look forward to Halloween with great anticipation…Bags full of sugary treats, scary decorations, and the thrill of trick or treating with friends and family…What could be more fun? But, what do you do for Halloween when your loved one has Prader-Willi syndrome? Can they safely participate in the festivities? The answer...

Scroll to top