Here's Your Next Opportunity to Gather Together In-Person with the PWS Community!
Celebrate PWSA | USA's 50th Anniversary in St. Louis, MO
After experiencing an amazing time together in Phoenix at the United in Hope International PWS Conference, we’re reminded how meaningful it is to gather in person – to share, to learn, and to connect with each other. Let’s keep that momentum going! Join PWSA | USA for our next opportunity to come together (and it’s coming soon): the PWSA | USA 50th Anniversary Journey of Hope Gala.
This special evening will mark five decades of progress, advocacy, and unwavering support for individuals and families affected by Prader-Willi syndrome, and none of it would be possible without you. We hope you will join us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future we are building together.
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis (100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63105)
Ticket Purchase Deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025
The Journey of Hope Gala will feature a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, silent auction with incredible items, entertainment (live band), and the heartfelt recognition of extraordinary individuals who have helped shape our community.
Below are the honorees we are proud to recognize at this historic event:
Journey of Hope Gala Honorees
Dr. Moris Angulo
Dr. Merlin Butler
Dr. Susie Cassidy
Fausta Deterling
Gene Deterling (Posthumously)
Joan Gardner
Jim Gardner (Posthumously)
Janalee Heinemann
Dr. Vanja Holm (Posthumously)
Jim Kane
Lota Mitchell
We would be honored to celebrate this milestone with you. Please secure your tickets by September 19, 2025, and make plans to join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and hope.
If you have any questions or need help with accommodations, please contact us: info@pwsausa.org | (941) 312-0400. Scroll below for details on booking your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
Thank you for walking this journey with us for 50 years, and for continuing to light the path forward. We can’t wait to see you again soon!
Book Your Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Make your Journey of Hope Gala experience even more special by staying at the elegant Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis (100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63105), the premier venue for our 50th Anniversary celebration. Located in the heart of Clayton, this stunning hotel offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and world-class service – all just steps away from our event.
Here’s how you can book your stay:
- – Call 1-800-960-7056 to speak with a reservation agent. Make sure you mention the group name (PWSA | USA) or code “PWS.“
- – Online at the button below. Use the code “PWSPWSA” for a King bed, or “PWSPWSH” for two Queen beds.
We encourage you to reserve early to ensure availability.
Can’t Attend In Person?
Make a donation in honor of your loved one to help celebrate 50 years of progress for our PWS community!
Thank You Sponsors!
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.