Robert Schoenberger • about 14 years ago

As a Grandfather who never heard about this syndrome until our 4th grandchild was diagnosed two weeks before her first birthday I ask you for your help in trying to find ways to help these kids and adults live as normal a life as they can have. Many end up in group homes because of their endless search for food. Just think about it being hungry 24/7 365 and you can't control it. We will have to lock up food if a solution is not found and also lock up the garbage, that is what PWS does to these people. They are doing some real important work with Type 1 and 2 diabetics in controlling hunger and have found that PWS sufferers have responded positively. Please help and one word from our First Lady, Mrs. Obama, could raise millions for the research to find ways for these people to thrive, and not be burdened by the hunger. At the end of the day my grandaughter, Siena, is just a little kid who wants to be a little kid, she isn't aware of the issues she faces, she just wants to play and have fun with my other grandchildren and other kids. Please, PLEASE help the PWS families and give us some hope!

Tanya Johnson • about 14 years ago

My 7 year old son with PWS does not have a choice - he must eat healthy and exercise everyday in order to survive. He has taught me so much about life, priorities and perseverance! Our PWS community is faced with a number of challenges but we are strong and we have so much to offer the world in our heartfelt fight against obesity! Thank you to the First Lady, Michelle Obama for giving our community a chance at educating the world about Prader-Willi Syndrome and for sharing our unique ability to promote health and fitness - together we CAN achieve anything! Thanks to everyone who is voting and thanks for "choosing to believe" in all children and adults who live with PWS! If we can eliminate the challenges for people with PWS, we can win the war against obesity! Sincerely Yours, Tanya Johnson

Keegan Johnson • about 14 years ago

In fact, research into Prader-Willi Syndrome may be exactly what we need to fight obesity. In people with PWS the mechanism for them to feel full does not work. Researching PWS will shed light on this issue and give the scientific community much needed information on the hunger mechanism. A number of research breakthroughs happen from looking at instances were the mechanism is known to be broken.

Natalie Bassel • about 14 years ago

PWS has a positive side. Our grandson, Zakary, was diagnosed at a few days old. The advantages he received with early intervention gave him the opportunities to walk, talk, go to school, strives in math and reading, plays soccer and baseball. He is a joy to be around, known as the "mayor" by all those who meet him. Through the multiple therapists and nutrionists Zak is aware of his limitations and with the help of his endocronologist, Dr. Angulo, he has made strides that we would never have thought possible. PWS and obese children need assistance and awareness. There is hope and with the help of the First Lady raising awareness for obesity, we can achieve it all. Natalie Bassel

Lon Seidlitz • about 14 years ago

The video jerks my tears, after 18 years it never gets any easier knowing what these kids go through every day. My son amazes me at the obstacles he has overcome and the goals he has reached and I believe through him and because of him that anything is possible. I love the way we have come together not just as an organization but as a family and I commend all of you that have made this happen. In all the little things each one of us have done it has made a big difference in the life of our kids. I have watched with amazement how this syndrome and information and awareness about it has evolved and I know if we can continue at this pace, I dont just believe a cure will be found; I know it!!! Please get informed if you havent already and help us. Help us; help them, no one should ever be hungry and likewise no one should ever feel hungry ( a feeling that never goes away) especially when they have just eaten.

Lillian tITUS • about 14 years ago

I pray daily for my Nephew A.J....He faces different challenges every day, but with awesome Parents in his Life there is nothing they wouldn't do to make his life easier. He is aware of his limitations and he has accomplished a lot in his short life. I pray they find a cure for PWS.

theresa Strong • about 14 years ago

If you need a couple of good reasons to vote for this video, here's 5 great ones to choose from: http://www.fpwr.ca/2012/announcements/en-top-5-reasons-you-should-vote-prader-willi-syndrome-to-the-white-house/

Lisa Isham • about 14 years ago

As Mom I stand for any child with or with out a Disability.It is our right to speak for all Children so they are protected and get what they need to live well rounded,enriched lives.

Carole Elkhal • about 14 years ago

Obesity is a part of my life. My husband suffered all his life and didn't know what was wrong with him, he kept telling his parents since he was 3 yr old that it's like a switch that wont turn off in my brain. He does not suffer from PWS. My cousin and best friend in the world, also has experienced something similar and also has struggled with obesity since childhood and she does not have PWS... As for my beautiful 17 mth old, she was born with PWS and will have to deal with obesity also. But maybe as Keegan said, research in PWS can help more than just my daughter... It can help my husband and my cousin and maybe we can free many people of this horrible disconnect between their stomach and their brain... Thankyou for voting...!!!

Sharon Yinger • about 14 years ago

In 2008, our beautiful little friend Connolly Grace R. was born with PWS. Hearts were broken and repaired with the beauty of this little girl. In 2009, when my husband was dying of cancer, he chose to have any Memorial donations sent in Connolly Grace's name to help her and others through research. Let's do in life what he did through his death! May our Heavenly Father continue to bless them, as they bless our lives by their presence.

Sharon Ayers • about 14 years ago

Sasha Lauren was born in 2005. She had a lot to overcome. Failure to thrive, no muscle tone, unable to walk until age 2. She did not climb, jump or run. Talking and walking were not possible until age 3. I noticed her breathing was labored at night. We went to a Pulmonary Dr., her BP was dangerously high. One kidney only doing 25%. ICU for 10 days. During this stay the blood work from Genetics showed PWS. Lauren struggles with her need for food. She cries when we pick out clothes - the "normal" clothing does not fit. She wants to be a Nurse and will walk you through BP check. Blood Draws, and Sleep Studies with a smile on her little face. PLEASE help them with the studies to give her and others a better chance to fight. They struggle everyday and suffer for something they have no control or cure for. Thank you, S. Ayers

Thomas Healey • about 14 years ago

This is for my cousin, Harry Connerty, who has PWS. I really hope this video wins because it will not affect only Harry, but all other children with PWS will be benefitted from it. I love you Harry.

Ali Shenk • about 14 years ago

Obesity is such a widespread issue in our nation. By voting for PWS, you're voting to look further into the genetic links driving much of the obesity in our country. The PWS community, by necessity, is also extremely devoted to an active and healthy lifestyle, because our kids' lives literally depend on it. With Michelle Obama backing us, there is no limit to where things can go from here. Thanks for your vote!

Andrew Schoenberger • about 14 years ago

What are we voting for? I keep asking myself that question. Is someone more right or more wrong? Is there one idea that is better than the other? Maybe, this group believes more than the other group? Obesity, in my opinion, is as much a dangerous disease as any other out there and deserves much more attention than it's been given.

Here's the answer I tell myself. My daughter has PWS and she will battle obesity for the rest of her life. Not because of laziness, eating habits, or parenting, but because her body can't tell her to stop craving and obsessing for food. I'm not sure who could argue that those symptoms are different than any child fighting obesity. If we can find a solution for this syndrome, we can find a solution for almost anyone facing obesity. And maybe, just maybe, I can pay back Siena (my daughter) for everything she has already given me, my family, and anyone who's met her. Perhaps, my life will have half as much purpose in my 36 years of existence as she's given in her two years of life. You think you know it all, or you're unlucky, you've struggled or you're life is unfair...until you meet that one person who changes everything.

I don't care who you vote for, just vote, and help the world build a better future through participation and awareness. I'm done thinking my daughter is sick, deformed, mutated, or has a disorder... that sounds more like me.....I finally realized that Siena is my cure.

Now I'm fighting to find hers. Let's help each other.

mike stermel • about 14 years ago

This is for my Grandson, Mikey123, who has PWS, Who with the help of his Family is doing very Well, Looking forward to someone finding some sort of Cure to aid these Children and Adults to fight this Illness, Please Vote Every Day.

marsha bennett • about 14 years ago

My beautiful Grandson Benjamin was born with PWS, he is now 4 yrs old , and is doing well, early intervention and an awesome mom and dad plus support and love of his entire family has made such a
difference for him, please vote today and every day to raise awareness, and help find a cure.

Madelyn ruiz • about 14 years ago

My beautiful daughter Jada Skye just turned 1 years on. She was diagnosed at the NICU. We have dealt at home with oxygen at night, G-Tube feedings and ooo sooo many appointments and specialist to see. All in all, I trully bvelieve my baby is doing well with making sure she goes to her appts and family support BUT most of all LOVE!! We have HOPE for our babies. We pray everyday someone, somewhere finds a cure!!! Right now all we can do on our end is create awareness!!! We will do what we have to and stop at nothing!!! God Bless everyone!

anita morrison • about 14 years ago

My daughter, Janet, was born 35 years ago. She almost died because she could not suck her bottle. She was very floppy and didn't even have the strength to cry. Back then, there was little information about this syndrome and it wasn't until she was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with PWS.
Children born today with pws are usually diagnosed right from birth and spend a great deal of time in the Neonatal Unit. They are usually tube-fed. We used a baby spoon to feed Janet just to keep her alive until we could get her to a larger hospital 300 miles away. Janet went from not being able to suck her bottle to eating everything in sight. We thought this was a wonderful thing. She was clearing the plates of food that our other children left behind. It was healthy food, so we, wow, thank goodness she's finally eating. She had quite a bit of weight on her by the time she was diagnosed. Even trying to keep her on a healthy diet, she was still very clever when it came to seeking out food. Please, Please help us to raise money for research and maybe, just maybe, we can find a cure for this horrible syndrome.

Angie Goings Thornsbearry • about 14 years ago

My 9 year old son Logan was diagnosed at 3 weeks old with Prader-willi. Its been a long battle. I pray for the help all kids and adults with Prader-willi will have a cure one day!!!

Linda Grimes • about 14 years ago

To all who have been affected by PWS, hang in there. They are the most awesome, loving people in the world, dispite what they have to deal with on a daily basis.

Yasmin Ali • about 14 years ago

Our daughter, Sumaiya was born almost 11 years ago and was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome. To this day I do not know how we made it through those days and weeks following. I can't believe that this precious gift is almost 11 years and the most amazing person in our lives. She has overcome so many obstacles and challenges and I know that she has so much more to overcome in the coming years. I pray that our voices get heard for her sake and for all those who have PWS.

Anne Taylor • about 14 years ago

Everytime I eat a large meal and feel full I am reminded that my two year old daughter will literally never know that feeling. Everytime I see an Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas spread I think of how my daughter could literally eat herself to death in one sitting without ever even feeling full. When I see commercials, billboards, or smell food cooking I am reminded of how my daughter must feel knowing she will be on a restricted diet her entire life because her very life depends on it. I think of how she must feel seeing pad locks on all food storage areas in her own home just to protect her from the uncontrollable drive to consume food. I am voting for my daughter and for every person and loved one living with Prader-Willi syndrome. God Bless you all!

Peter Vario • about 14 years ago

I am a parent with a baby who was recently diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome. It saddens me deeply when I think of all the obstacles my child will have to endure the REST OF HER LIFE. It is NOT ok. It literally makes me sick to think of her being hungry forever. It doesn't have to be forever. We can vote and spread awareness and pray that one day there will be a cure. That one day researchers can figure this syndrome out. My daughter shouldn't have to feel hungry all the time. No child should have to think about food all the time. Obesity is a horrible thing taking over our country. If PWS is looked at in more depth, I'm sure we would find more links as to why the "typical" child overeats. Please spread the word of Prader-Willi Syndrome. Please help end obesity by taking just "one small step" and VOTE! Thank you all.

Rita Seely • about 14 years ago

Angela, you and Sadie in our prayers...love you.

Linda Ziebarth • about 14 years ago

I have a niece with this disorder please vote!

Linda Z

Take One SMALL Step!!

WINNER: Exceptional Achievement

Try it out

176 comments