For Immediate Release:

May 23, 2014

 

 

Freeholders hope to raise awareness

of Prader-Willi Syndrome

Disorder affects muscle tone, growth and intellectual development

 

FREEHOLD, NJ –The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented a proclamation to commemorate Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month, which is observed in the month of May. 

 

The Board presented the proclamation to Cole Lombardi, who has been diagnosed with PWS and his mother, Tracy Lombardi, with the hope to raise public awareness of this genetic disorder.

 

“Not enough people know about this disorder or what is does to families,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “With this proclamation, the Board hopes to raise awareness and bring recognition to PWS.”

 

PWS is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body and causes poor growth and delayed development, mild to moderate intellectual impairment and learning disabilities.

 

Children with PWS commonly have low muscle tone, short stature if not treated with growth hormone, incomplete sexual development and a chronic feeling of hunger that, coupled with a metabolism that utilizes drastically fewer calories than normal, can lead to excessive eating, type 2 diabetes and life-threatening obesity.

 

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association is an organization of families and professionals working together to raise awareness, offer support, provide education and advocacy, and promote and fund research to enhance the quality of life of those affected by Prader-Willi syndrome.

 

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