IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 55 

Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi Syndrome 

Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research into this 

challenging disorder. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JANUARY 13, 2009 

Mr. ROYCE (for himself and Ms. HARMAN) submitted the following resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of a National PraderWilli Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of 

and promote research into this challenging disorder. 

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder 

that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 

births, and is the most commonly known genetic cause of 

life-threatening obesity; 

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome affects males and females 

with equal frequency and affects all races and ethnicities; 

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and insatiable appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity, which 

is the major cause of death for individuals with the syndrome; 


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•HRES 55 IH 

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome also causes cognitive and 

learning disabilities, and behavioral difficulties, such as 

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 there is a high morbidity 

and mortality rate for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome; 

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, such as 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 PraderWilli syndrome remain untreated; 

Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome can 

lead to a better understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an eventual cure for Prader-Willi 

syndrome; 

Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome is 

likely to improve our understanding of common public 

health concerns, including childhood obesity and mental 

health; and 


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•HRES 55 IH 

Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as 

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

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

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; 

12 (4) supports increased funding for research into 

13 the causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi syn14 drome; and 

15 (5) expresses support for the designation of a 

16 National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month. 

Æ 


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