*In the interest of space, please note that when we use the term “Dad”, we not only refer to biological fathers, but also those male figures who are an outstanding, constant, and loving presence in your loved one’s life. And you single moms filling both roles, this is for you as well!
We know that parenting an individual with PWS can bring many challenges. The grief of watching your child struggle, the flood of concern, fear, and worry when a diagnosis is received, and the endless and fluctuating intensity of emotions that travel with parents on a PWS journey. It may be a fulfilling journey, but it is not always, nor often, an easy one.
We know what our Dads are capable of! We see the devotion, the dedication, and the love they bring to their families and this community. We’d like to give you all an opportunity to honor your Dad and share your appreciation for him to the PWS community.
PWSA | USA would like to share a photo and a special message of your Dad on our social media leading up to and on Father’s Day. Share with the world what it is that you appreciate about him. Ask your loved one for a special message about what he means to them. Let the community see how wonderful, loving, and attentive our Dads can be.
Please fill out the form below to share your message. Submissions will be accepted until June 13!
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.