III 

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 PraderWilli 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; 


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•SRES 543 ATS 

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 obsessivecompulsive 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 PraderWilli 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 


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•SRES 543 ATS 

Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as 

Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) supports raising awareness and educating 

3 the public about Prader-Willi syndrome; 

4 (2) applauds the efforts of advocates and orga5 nizations that encourage awareness, promote re6 search, and provide education, support, and hope to 

7 those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome; 

8 (3) recognizes the commitment of parents, fam9 ilies, researchers, health professionals, and others 

10 dedicated to finding an effective treatment and even11 tual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and 

12 (4) expresses support for the designation of a 

13 National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month. 

Æ 


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