“‘A grandmother’s love is forever and always.’ Thank you and Happy Grandparents Day. We love and appreciate you so much!”
Grandparents’ names: Left- Grandma Tilly (RIP) Right- Grandma Lisa
Submitted by: Staishya Siller
“Mamie, thank you for always playing and having fun with me! I miss you. Come back soon to visit!”
Grandparent’s name: Alizeta
Submitted by: Khaled Ouedraogo
“Grandma,
I just wanted to say thanks for putting up with me all these years. I’ll always cherish the memories of many sleepovers, movie & dinner/lunch dates, etc. Thank you for appreciating when I share my drawings with you for special occasions . Mom would generally throw them out after a while though you saved and cherished each and every one. Thanks for helping me cope with my impulses getting the better of me sometimes. I always enjoy every conversation with you. I’m a very lucky grandson to have you as a grandmother.”
Grandparent’s name: Barbara Lyons
Submitted by: Derek Montecalvo
“We are blessed with our parents being active, consistent, and loving grandparents of Declan (14 months) 🖤. They have celebrated every high, and supported him through every low. They are very loved by their PWS grandbaby, Declan! 🧡 ‘Love is the greatest gift that one generation can leave to another.’”
Grandparents’ names: Pictured (left) with his Nama & Papa Jurgens and (right) Yaya & Papa Cussen
Submitted by: Catherine Jurgens
“Grandpa Al,
Thanks for all the laughs, sick visits, etc. over the years. I enjoy our conversations of when you served and how much you loved it despite the noise. Thanks for contributing to my love of golf, and for making my very first set of my own clubs. Thanks for all the delicious Italian food that you and grandma would make for family. Also, thanks for allowing me to briefly live at your home when I went through a challenging time. You always say I’m your favorite grandson, well you’re my favorite grandpa!”
Grandparent’s name: Alexander Montecalvo
Submitted by: Derek Montecalvo
“Without the love and support of Maddilyn’s grandma and grandpa, she would not be where she is today. They have spent countless hours helping her with homework, driving her to doctor appointments, and being the best friends a girl could ever hoped for. We’re so blessed to have them right down the street! Thank you for all the love you’ve shown Maddi these past 18 years, she is so incredibly blessed to have you both in her life!!”
Grandparents’ names: Becky and Terry Smith
Submitted by: Shelbie Smith
“Grandma and Grandpa are my biggest fans! I love them so much!”
Grandparents’ names: Doug & Mary
Submitted by: Beth McLean
“Adelynn is thriving in life because her grandparents’ support in giving her an environment with love and encouragement.”
Grandparent’s name: Jessie Alvarez
Submitted by: Cassandra Estrada
“Isla’s grandparents (Nannie & Papa), have played a huge role in her life! They are her biggest cheerleaders and give her the love and support that only the most involved grandparents can. They are some of the most special and favorite people in her life and our entire family is eternally grateful for them!”
Grandparents’ names: Dolores & Joe McDuffie
Submitted by: Valerie Selinger
“Thank you for the love and care you have always given to Charlotte from day one.”
Grandparent’s name: Diane
Submitted by: Anissa Bradley
“Thank you for all the special moments we’ve lived through together, grandfather. Your presence in my life is an invaluable gift.”
Grandparent’s name: Francisco Gaspar
Submitted by: Pedro Gaspar
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.