State Sen. Scott Wilk’s Senate Resolution 28, which declares May 2019 as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month in the state of California, unanimously passed the state Senate this week.
Prader-Willi Syndrome, or PWS, is a congenital genetic disorder that affects growth, behavior, metabolism and appetite. It can also lead to weaker muscle and sexual development, along with an insatiable feeling of hunger that can lead to morbid obesity, according to a news release from Wilk’s office. There are treatments for the effects of PWS, but there is currently no known cause or cure.
As he shared the story of Kiran Dong, an 8-year old from Valencia who was selected to light the Capitol Christmas Tree last December, Wilk said he has heard from parents and teachers about the need to increase awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome in the past.
“If we are to make real progress on groundbreaking treatments and an eventual cure, we have to take this first step of raising awareness,” Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, said in Monday’s news release. “We really can make a difference in Kiran’s life and the lives of others who are affected by this disorder.”
