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 Prader- 
Willi 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 insa-
tiable appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity, which 
is the major cause of death for individuals with the syn-
drome; 
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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 re-
quire constant and lifelong supervision in a controlled en-
vironment; 
Whereas studies have shown that there is a high morbidity 
and mortality rate for individuals with Prader-Willi syn-
drome; 
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 organiza-
tions, and other families who are dealing with the syn-
drome; 
Whereas recently discovered treatments, such as human 
growth hormone, are improving the quality of life for in-
dividuals with the syndrome and offer new hope to fami-
lies, but many difficult symptoms associated with Prader- 
Willi syndrome remain untreated; 
Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome can 
lead to a better understanding of the disorder, more ef-
fective 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, there-
fore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports raising awareness and educating 
the public about Prader-Willi syndrome; 
(2) applauds the efforts of advocates and orga-
nizations that encourage awareness, promote re-
search, and provide education, support, and hope to 
those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome; 
(3) recognizes the commitment of parents, fam-
ilies, researchers, health professionals, and others 
dedicated to finding an effective treatment and even-
tual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; 
(4) supports increased funding for research into 
the causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi syn-
drome; and 
(5) expresses support for the designation of a 
National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month. 
Æ 
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