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PWSA Blog

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...

Our First Pioneers to Identify Prader-Labhart-Willi Syndrome: Dr.’s Zellweger, Prader, Willi and Labhart; Part 2 in a Series

Dr. Hans Zellweger was a tall, adventuresome doctor from a patrician family in Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland.  After seeing the devastating effects of polio after World War I, his life goal was to understand neuromuscular disorders in children.  After training across Europe, and working with Dr. Albett Schweitzer in Africa, he became chief...

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...

Statement from Members of the Clinical Advisory Board (CAB) Regarding People with PWS and COVID-19 Immunization  

The types of vaccines now available against COVID-19 use mRNA technology.  This type of vaccine has been under development for many years and, unlike other immunizations, does not place a weak or inactive germ into the body, but instead teaches cells in our body to make an immune response that then produces antibodies which provide protection if...

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...

PWSA | USA Introduces Twenty-Four Hour Family Support

For Immediate Release PWSA | USA Introduces Twenty-Four Hour Family Support [Sarasota, Florida, October 30, 2020] Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA (PWSA | USA) announced today it will begin providing 24-hour Family Support services to individuals and families in the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) community. “The past year has been challenging for everyone, and this is...

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