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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 543 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 543

   Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi 
Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research on 
                             the disorder.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                 May 27 (legislative day, May 26), 2010

  Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. Cardin) submitted the 
        following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi 
Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research on 
                             the disorder.

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that occurs in 
        approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is the most commonly known genetic cause of life-
        threatening obesity;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome affects--

    (1) males and females with equal frequency; and

    (2) all races and ethnicities;

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and insatiable appetite, often 
        resulting in morbid obesity;
Whereas morbid obesity is the major cause of death for individuals with the 
        Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes cognitive and learning disabilities and 
        behavioral difficulties, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and 
        difficulty controlling emotions;
Whereas the hunger, metabolic, and behavioral characteristics of Prader-Willi 
        syndrome force affected individuals to require constant and lifelong 
        supervision in a controlled environment;
Whereas studies have shown that individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome have a 
        high morbidity and mortality rate;
Whereas there is no known cure for Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome allows families to access 
        treatment, intervention services, and support from health professionals, 
        advocacy organizations, and other families who are dealing with the 
        syndrome;
Whereas recently discovered treatments, including the use of human growth 
        hormone, are improving the quality of life for individuals with the 
        syndrome and offer new hope to families, but many difficult symptoms 
        associated with Prader-Willi syndrome remain untreated;
Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome--

    (1) may lead to a better understanding of the disorder, more effective 
treatments, and an eventual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and

    (2) is likely to lead to a better understanding of common public health 
concerns, including childhood obesity and mental health; and

Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as Prader-Willi Syndrome 
        Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports raising awareness and educating the public 
        about Prader-Willi syndrome;
            (2) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations 
        that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide 
        education, support, and hope to those impacted by Prader-Willi 
        syndrome;
            (3) recognizes the commitment of parents, families, 
        researchers, health professionals, and others dedicated to 
        finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for Prader-
        Willi syndrome; and
            (4) expresses support for the designation of a National 
        Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.
                                 <all>
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