PWS United

PWS United

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PWS United episodes

  • Ep42 Pulse 123: Awareness Ideas, Prader Silly, Adults with PWS Spotlights, In Memory of Jim Gardner

    The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

    24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

    PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    United in Hope Conference

    Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

    High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

    Clinical and Scientific Program

    High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

    50th Anniversary

    PWSA Memory: 1995_Vol-XX-N1-Feb-1995.pdf

    Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Events

    The Zuzu Secret Novel for Elementary and Middle Grade - Beardies, Prader-Willis Syndrome, Baseball — Miriam Chernick - Author & Educator

    Prader Silly: A Night of Rare Laughs - Campaign

    Fundraisers

    Lyra Mills's fundraising page for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

    Filling Cups with PWS Awareness - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    United We Brunch - Campaign

    PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign

    Spotlight on Hope

    Spotlight on Hope: Lydia and Dalyas Dreamers - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Advocacy

    PWSA Advocates Represent Disability Needs and Rights in DC - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    PWS Awareness Month Proclamation Toolkit

    Family Support

    Adults with PWS Advisory Board Spotlight: Conor Heybach - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    PWSA | USA Family Support Webinar: Creating Financial Security for a Loved One with PWS

    Family Resource Program - Parents/Caregiver Focus Groups

    Family Resource Program - Sibling Focus Groups

    Ask Nurse Lynn: Genetics and Weight Gain - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Research

    Aardvark’s HERO Clinical Trial Webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom

    Home | Hero Trial

    Dr. Pacha’s Educational Trends Survey: Caregiver Screener | QuestionPro Survey

    Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinical Scholarship Announcement - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Request for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Grant Applications - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Announcements/Resource Spotlight

    GI-Algorithm-Chart-2022.pdf

     

    Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

    28 min
  • Ep41: PWS Origin Stories, Success, and Awareness

    PWSA | USA staff members Sarah Kasaby, Melanie Zalman, Charles Conway, Elaine Towle, and Kristi Rickenbach, are parents of loved ones with PWS. On this episode of PWS United, they share their PWS origin stories, how things have changed since the early days of their PWS journey, and their favorite ways to spread PWS awareness. Honesty, wisdom, support, pride in their loved ones, and hope for the future permeate this episode - an inspiring way to celebrate PWS Awareness Month for all of May, focusing on May 15 as PWS Awareness Day! Find ways you can help spread awareness at our  PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

     

    Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

    48 min
  • Ep40 Pulse 122: PWS Awareness Month, Family Conference Registration Closed, Interview with Destiny Pacha, VYKAT XR Townhall Summary

    The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

    24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

    PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    United in Hope Conference

    Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

    High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

    High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

    50th Anniversary

    PWSA Memory: PWSA-Pulse-May-2021.pdf

    Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Events

    Financial Security Webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom

    Fundraisers

    United We Brunch - Campaign

    The Good, The Bad, The Bubbly CALIFORNIA 5/24/25's fundraising page for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

    PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign

    Spotlight on Hope

    Spotlight on Hope: Mastering Karate with Cameron - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Advocacy

    Members Sought for the Drug Utilization Review Board

    PWS Awareness Month Proclamation Toolkit

    Family Support

    Adults with PWS Advisory Board Spotlight: Victor Penta - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Family Resource Program - Parents/Caregiver Focus Groups

    Family Resource Program - Sibling Focus Groups

    Post a Message for Mother's Day - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Ask Nurse Lynn: Fevers with PWS - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Research

    VYKAT XR Town Hall Summary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Dr. Pacha’s Educational Trends Survey: Caregiver Screener | QuestionPro Survey

    Embracing Differences | The Journey Behind "It Starts With Hello: Katie’s Story About Prader-Willi Syndrome" - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinical Scholarship Announcement - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Request for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Grant Applications - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

    Announcements/Resource Spotlight

    A Letter to Friends and Family - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

     

    Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

    42 min
  • Ep39 Unlocking a New Path to Treat Hyperphagia in PWS: A Conversation with Aardvark Therapeutics

    In this episode of PWS United, we explore the science and hope behind Aardvark Therapeutics’ ARD-101, an investigational treatment currently in its Phase 3 clinical trial for Prader-Willi syndrome. Our guests, Dr. Tien Lee, CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, and Dr. Manasi Jaiman, Chief Medical Officer, break down the difference between hunger and appetite, and how ARD-101 targets gut-brain signaling to reduce hyperphagia.

    Dr. Lee and Dr. Jaiman also share insights into Aardvark’s uniquely compassionate approach to clinical trials, including their close engagement with the PWS community. Tune in to learn how this innovative therapy could impact the future of care for individuals living with PWS.

    We’re proud to recognize Aardvark Therapeutics as our Diamond Sponsor for the 2025 International PWS Conference – United in Hope, happening this June in Phoenix, Arizona. Visit their exhibitor table and meet many members of their team in person!

    Important Links:

    • Learn more about Aardvark Therapeutics: https://aardvarktherapeutics.com
    • Learn more about the ARD-101 Phase 3 clinical trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06828861?intr=ARD-101&rank=4
    • PWSA | USA: https://www.pwsausa.org
    • Contact us: [email protected]
    • 2025 International PWS Conference: https://pwsausaevents.cventevents.com/event/04353c7a-d6b1-45f9-9d6f-48acda9cd07e/home 
    • Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      23 min
    • Ep38 Pulse 121: Occupational Therapy Month, Conference Cap, Awareness Month Proclamation, Financial Security Webinar

      The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

      VYKAT XR Town Hall: Meeting Registration - Zoom

      United in Hope Conference

      Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

      High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

      High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

      For info on sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]

      50th Anniversary

      PWSA Memory: 1976_Vol-II-N1-Jan-1976.pdf

      Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Events

      Financial Security Webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom

      VYKAT XR Town Hall: Meeting Registration - Zoom

      NC Hope United 5K & Family Fun Run - Campaign

      Zahra's Night of Light Shines Bright! - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Fundraisers

      United We Brunch - Campaign

      PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign

      Spotlight on Hope

      Spotlight on Hope Library

      Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Advocacy

      PWS Awareness Month Proclamation Toolkit

      Family Support

      Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: How OT Builds Confidence, Comfort, and Skills for Life - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Post a Message for Mother's Day - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn: Hygiene Concerns and Solutions - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA Submit your own non-emergency medical question

      PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Research

      Health Care Professionals Webinar: Recognizing and Addressing Hyperphagia Early in Prader Willi Syndrome

      Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinical Scholarship Announcement - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Request for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Grant Applications - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Announcements/Resource Spotlight

      Find Your Voice: Advocating for PWS Health Care Webinar Series - YouTube

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      46 min
    • Ep37 Ask Nurse Lynn: Growth Hormone, Skin-Picking, GLP-1s

      On this episode we brought in Lynn Garrick, PWSA | USA's Medical and Research Coordinator and the woman behind Ask Nurse Lynn. We pulled three previous submissions to discuss on this episode, based on some common questions that families in the PWS community have. Nurse Lynn discussed when and why to start growth hormone, tips for helping your loved one with skin-picking issues, and what are GLP-1s and why they may or may not work on individuals with PWS. 

      Our Ask Nurse Lynn library is growing by the week! Please take a moment to look through those articles at Ask Nurse Lynn Archives - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      If you have a non-emergency medical question and would like a response from Lynn, please visit Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Research Study of the GLP-1 Tirzepatide:

      Looking for participants with PWS aged 18-26.

      To take part in this research study or for more information, contact the Endocrine Research Team 

      at [email protected] or 206-987-2540

      Download our Medical Alert Book: MedicalAlertsBooklet-GIChart-2022.pdf

      Download our third edition Growth Hormone booklet: Growth-Hormone-booklet-third-Edition_FINAL.pdf

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      30 min
    • Ep36 Pulse 120: Annual Report, VYKAT XR Webinar, Awareness Proclamation Toolkit, Sibling Guide

      The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

      Please remember to leave a rating and a review. 

       

      PWSA | USA’s Annual Report:   Online Flipbook

      United in Hope Conference

      Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

      Mural: 2025 PWS Conference Mural Photo Submission - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      For info on sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]

      50th Anniversary

      PWSA Memory: Pioneering geneticist Merlin G. Butler, M.D., Ph.D., keeps pushing the boundaries of science

      Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Events

      VYKAT XR (formerly DCCR) informational webinar

      Home | VYKAT XR (diazoxide choline) extended-release tablets

      Prader-Willi Alliance of New York Inc. - Events

      Fundraisers

      United We Brunch - Campaign

      PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign

      Spotlight on Hope

      Spotlight on Hope Library

      Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Advocacy

      PWS Awareness Month Proclamation Toolkit

      Family Support

      Sibling Support Guide

      What It's Like to Have a Sibling with PWS - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Send your sibling blog to [email protected]

      A Loving School is Vital - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn: Food-Seeking Behaviors - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Research

      Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinical Scholarship Announcement - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Request for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Grant Applications - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Announcements/Resource Spotlight

      Q-and-A_Blue.pdf

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      33 min
    • Ep35: PWS and Sibling Support

      On the podcast today is our beloved Parent Support Coordinator Kristi Rickenbach, along with Board members Denise Servais and Lisa Lamb, and Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Anne Fricke. They are all parents of multiple children, including a child with Prader-Willi syndrome. 


      In their conversation, they discussed feelings of getting it wrong - of over-managing social situations and lives, letting siblings take on perhaps too much responsibility, over-compensating for the challenges of PWS and time spent with the child with PWS, and other feelings of inadequacies.

      They discuss the importance of quality time, making sure the sibling is heard, how to validate their feelings, and be vulnerable, fairness and the difference between equality and equity, and why PWS parents should be talking honestly with their children.

      We want you all to know that you are not alone, that feeling inadequate or that you’re not getting it quite right, is absolutely normal and these moms can relate. We also want to know how we, as an organization and as parents, can better support siblings in our community. Please feel free to email Anne at  [email protected] and let us know the kind of support you need or share with us your tips for supporting your sibling. 

      Join our bi-weekly Pulse email newsletter at Join our Newsletter - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      46 min
    • Ep34 Pulse 119: Awareness, Staying Cool at Conference, Sibling Stories, Clinical Trial with Tirzepatide

      The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

      Awareness Topics

      Nutrition in the PWS Family - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Nutrition Discourse in the PWS Community - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      2025 DD Awareness Month: We’re Here All Year! – NACDD

      Women in PWS: Moving Forward Together - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      What is neurodiversity? - Harvard Health

      Neurodiversity and Prader-Willi Syndrome - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      United in Hope Conference

      High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule

      Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

      Mural: 2025 PWS Conference Mural Photo Submission - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      For info on sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]

      50th Anniversary

      Journey of Hope Gala: PWSAUSA 50th Anniversary: Journey of Hope Celebration - Campaign

      PWSA Memory: Vanja Holm's contribution to our knowledge of PWS - IPWSO

      Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Events

      Recognizing and Addressing Hyperphagia Early in Prader Willi Syndrome

      Fundraisers

      Zahra's Night of Light - Campaign

      United We Brunch - Campaign

      PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign

      Spotlight on Hope

      Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Advocacy

      Take Action: Help Pass the Sunshine Genetics Act in Florida! - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Soleno Sibling/Family Member Stories: [email protected]

      Soleno Caregiver Photo & Story Release Form (for minor siblings) Feb 2025.docx

      Soleno Adult Sibling Photo & Story Release Form Feb 2025.docx

      Family Support

      Staying Cool at Conference - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn: Respiratory Infections - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Share Your "PWS in Adulthood" Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

      Research

      Tirzepatide Study: [email protected] or 206-987-2540

      PWSA | USA Webinar: About Harmony Biosciences TEMPO PWS Clinical

      Announcements/Resource Spotlight

      What is Early Intervention?

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      39 min
    • Ep33: Special Education and the Department of Ed.

      PWSA | USA’s CEO Stacy Ward sat down with educator and IEP coach, Jamilah Bashir to discuss special education and the state of the Department of Education. They discussed training for special education teachers, the voucher program, where to find good information about changing policies and decisions within the Department of Education, and the path of an executive order. Jamilah clarified the different roles of the U.S. Dept. of Ed. versus the state’s Dept. of Ed., focusing on funding and the accountability of states to provide services. This discussion can provide clear insight on the role of the U.S. Department of Education, why it may be critical for our loved ones with PWS, what the alternative (ie voucher programs and private schools) may look like, and how and why to contact your representatives on this issue.


      Jamilah Bashir has over 20 years’ experience serving as a special education teacher, special education supervisor, and education consultant across charter, public, and private schools. She has two master’s degrees—one in Education and another in Educational Leadership—from St. Joseph’s University. She is the founder of The IEP Coach LLC, a company dedicated to empowering special education teachers, schools, and parents. Jamilah is a speaker and thought leader and has presented at conferences such as the 2024 Autism in Black Conference and spoken on podcasts like The Impact of Educational Leadership with Isaiah Drone and The Opportunity Gap by Understood.org. She is also the author of Because of H.E.R., a memoir about her experience of growing up with a sibling with a disability. She created resources and programs like the Master the IEP Course and SPEDucators Rise. Jamilah connects with over 7,000 people weekly through her live series The Coaching Corner with the IEP Coach on social media.

      We want to extend a huge thank you to Jamilah for sharing her knowledge of the special education system and we hope this helps families better understand the current landscape of the Department of Education.

      LINKS

      Website: www.theiepcoachllc.com

      Master the IEP Course: www.mastertheiep.com

      SPEDucators Rise Coaching Program: https://www.theiepcoachllc.com/speducators-rise-program

      Freebies: https://www.theiepcoachllc.com/freebies

      Instagram: Jamilah F. Bashir (@theiepcoachllc) • Instagram photos and videos

       

      Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/; License certificate #2242442 

      43 min

    About PWS United

    From the publisher's feed

    Welcome to PWS United, a podcast for the Prader-Willi Syndrome community, brought to you by PWSA | USA.

    This podcast gives the latest news in research, advocacy, and family support by bringing…

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