Prader-Willi California Foundation Announces 12th Annual Walking for Prader-Willi Syndrome to Raise Awareness of Rare Medical Disorder

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prader-Willi California Foundation, a charitable organization that serves families raising a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome, announced its 12th annual statewide Walking for Prader-Willi Syndrome awareness events.  Each walkathon event offers attendees a free t-shirt and features music, arts and crafts activities, and exercise-inspired games for the kids.  This year's events will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on April 29 at Griffith Park near Shane's Inspiration Playground in Los Angeles; May 5 at Woodward Park in Fresno; and May 5 at Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area in San Francisco. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120419/DC91052)

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a complex, life-threatening medical disorder that causes a multitude of symptoms including autistic-like behaviors, severe behavior problems, and its hallmark symptom – an insatiable appetite that, if unmanaged, causes morbid obesity and premature death.  Prader-Willi Syndrome is not an eating disorder; it is a physiological defect in the brain. There is no cure for Prader-Willi Syndrome and there is no known medication to control or even reduce the drive to eat - yet.  No one with Prader-Willi Syndrome is able to live independently because without 24/7/365 supervision for the entirety of their lives, individuals with PWS will die prematurely as a result of choking, stomach rupture, stomach tissue necrosis, or from complications caused by morbid obesity.  Throughout their lifetime, persons with PWS will require the assistance of a multitude of professionals.  Parents and care providers of an individual with Prader-Willi Syndrome experience some of the highest levels of stress.

The Walking for Prader-Willi Syndrome events raise the public's awareness of this rare disorder and raise funds to support the programs and services provided by the Prader-Willi California Foundation such as PWS Clinics, California's only PWS Camp, a 24-hour PWS medical crisis line, support groups, conferences, trainings, and much more.  Just as importantly, the Walk events give families opportunity to connect with each other in an atmosphere of acceptance and fun. 

To learn more visit www.PWCF.org/WalkingForPWS.htm and view the Walking for PWS video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMr7qGUNZuI

Contact:  Prader-Willi California Foundation | Lisa Graziano, Executive Director  | 310.372.5053

SOURCE Prader-Willi California Foundation

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