PWS United

Ep 47: Nutrition Recommendations for PWS: Conference Session

This episode is a recording from the 2025 United in Hope International PWS conference in Phoenix, AZ. "Nutrition Recommendations for Children and Families with PWS" session was presented by Michael Tan, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, registered dietitian at the University of Florida. This session is an overview of traditional nutrition recommendations, current recommendations and guidance, and how everyone in the family plays a role. 
Nutrition Slides from Michael Tan's session: https://www.pwsausa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PDF-Nutrition-Slides.pdf
To share your conference testimonial on the PWS United podcast, please email africke@pwsausua.org
 

Ep46: Pioneers in PWS Series - The Parent Mentoring Program

This is the next episode in our Pioneers in PWS series, a podcast series from PWS United celebrating PWSA | USA's 50th Anniversary!
Before there were conferences, support groups, or even a central source of information on Prader-Willi syndrome, there were pioneers. Parents, professionals, and advocates who built the foundation of the PWS community-one connection, one breakthrough, one act of determination at a time. In honor of PWSA | USA's 50th anniversary, we're diving into their stories. Pioneers in PWS was originally a PWSA | USA blog series produced in 2021 by our dedicated volunteers. Throughout 2025, we'll look back on these articles to explore where we've been, how far we've come, and recognize the pioneers who made it possible. 
In this episode, we look back at the foundation of our parent mentoring program, how it has evolved over the years, and the incredible women who have passed the torch of support. We hear a brief testimonial from two current parent mentors about some of their favorite experiences of being a mentor. This episode closes out with an interview with the current director of the parent mentoring program, Kristi Rickenbach. She shares with us how she got involved, what she loves about this work, and ultimately, what her goal is as a parent mentor. 
You can read the original Pioneers in PWS article at Pioneers in PWS - The Parent Mentoring Program - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
As a reminder, that there will be no new episode coming out next Tuesday. We will be at the International PWS Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Our next episode of PWS United will be a LIVESTREAM from a conference session on Saturday, June 28. Learn more about the session and how to join the livestream at How To Join a PWS United Livestream on Podbean - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

Ep45 Pulse 124: Scoliosis Awareness, Conference App, Medicaid Expansion Call to Action, Livestream

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 
24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400
Scoliosis Awareness - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
United in Hope Conference
Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference
How-to-Download-the-2025-United-in-Hope-PWS-Conference-Mobile-App.pdf
2025 United in Hope Welcome Packet
2025Family-Agenda-2.pdf
2025ClinicalScientific-Agenda.pdf
2025ProfessionalProviders-Agenda.pdf
2025Adults-with-PWS-Agenda.pdf
50th Anniversary
PWSA Memory: 1990_Vol-XVI-N1-Jan-Feb-1990.pdf
Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Events
Prader Silly: A Night of Rare Laughs - Campaign
Fundraisers
Hunter Lens Golf Tournament - Campaign
Hummus, Tahini, and PWS Awareness - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
United We Brunch - Campaign
PWSA Fundraising Pages - Campaign
Spotlight on Hope
Spotlight on Hope: Ada Thrives and Shines - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Advocacy
Help Expand Disability Services for PWS – Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Family Support
Adults with PWS Advisory Board Spotlight: Abbott Philson - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Family Resource Program - Parents/Caregiver Focus Groups
Family Resource Program - Sibling Focus Groups
Recruitment – SibTime II -English - Influents Innovations
Ask Nurse Lynn: Osteoporosis, Calcium, Vitamin D - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Research
Get to Know Aardvark Therapeutics Phase 3 HERO PWS Study
Home | Hero Trial
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
Voice of the Patient Report: VOP-Report-4.30_.pdf
PWS Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting

Ep 44: PWSA, IPWSO, FPWR: United in Hope

On June 24-28 families and providers in the PWS community from around the world will be gathering in Phoenix, AZ for the 2025 United in Hope International PWS Conference. This is the first ever joint conference between PWSA | USA, FPWR and IPWSO, which symbolizes a historic milestone in the PWS community This groundbreaking event will shape the future of PWS research and care.In this episode, we have a conversation between the three organization heads, Susan Hedstrom, Marguerite Hughes, and of course, our own Stacy Ward. They spoke about what this conference collaboration means for the PWS community and the families we support, and how conference is a place to find community, explore the experience of rarity, and share commonality amongst people with who you may have thought were worlds apart. With a combined 100 years of dedication and work in the PWS community, this conference collaboration is a momentous event for the PWS community. Susan Hedstrom has been the Executive Director of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) since 2013. Her commitment to this role was deeply rooted in a personal journey that began when her eldest son was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome. Faced with the challenges posed by this rare condition, Susan made a conscious decision not to accept Prader-Willi syndrome as it had been traditionally defined. Instead, she chose to collaborate with a remarkable team of proactive and tireless individuals within FPWR to find treatments and ultimately a cure for Prader-Willi syndrome. Marguerite Hughes was IPWSO’s CEO between 2019 and 2025, prior to which she served as Vice President (2016 to 2019) and Secretary (2013-2016). She has recently stepped aside however; she has kindly agreed to continue as a volunteer in an advisory capacity. Marguerite is the parent of a 20-year-old son who has PWS. She is based in Ireland.Stacy Ward, CEO of PWSA | USA, is a longtime leader in the PWS community with a background rich in non-profit, behavioral health, education advocacy and has held multiple successful leadership roles. With 30 years of experience working with individuals with ID/DD and 20 years working with individuals diagnosed with PWS, Stacy brings a variety of skills to the role of CEO of PWSA | USA. Prior to her appointment as CEO with PWSA | USA, Stacy was the Director of Family Support.Thank you to the three of them for briefly stepping aside from a busy conference planning schedule to talk about this incredible upcoming event.
Learn more about this upcoming conference at Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

Ep43: All Things Conference

PWS United hosts Carrie Ilijevich and Anne Fricke sat down with Kristi Rickenbach, PWSA | USA Parent Support Coordinator and frequent guest on the podcast, and the woman behind so much of the intricate and incredible planning, PWSA | USA’s Events Coordinator, Angela Frazier, for a conversation about all things conference. They covered many topics including the mobile app for conference, getting around the grounds and the venue, food availability and meal planning, staying cool in the Arizona heat, PWSA | USA's 50th birthday celebration, and more. 
Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference
2025 Pre-Conference Feedback Survey

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
bipocpws@gmail.com
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
advocacy@pwsausa.org
etowle@pwsausa.org
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

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

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
advocacy@pwsausa.org
etowle@pwsausa.org
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

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: info@pwsausa.org
2025 International PWS Conference: https://pwsausaevents.cventevents.com/event/04353c7a-d6b1-45f9-9d6f-48acda9cd07e/home 

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: development@pwsausa.org
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
advocacy@pwsausa.org
etowle@pwsausa.org
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