[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 55 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 55

   Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi 
  Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research 
                    into this challenging disorder.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 13, 2009

    Mr. Royce (for himself and Ms. Harman) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi 
  Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research 
                    into this challenging disorder.

Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that occurs in 
        approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births, and is the most commonly 
        known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome affects males and females with equal frequency and 
        affects all races and ethnicities;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and insatiable appetite, often 
        resulting in morbid obesity, which is the major cause of death for 
        individuals with the syndrome;
Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome also causes cognitive and learning disabilities, 
        and behavioral difficulties, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and 
        difficulty controlling emotions;
Whereas the hunger, metabolic, and behavioral characteristics of Prader-Willi 
        syndrome force affected individuals to require constant and lifelong 
        supervision in a controlled environment;
Whereas studies have shown that there is a high morbidity and mortality rate for 
        individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas there is no known cure for Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome allows families to access 
        treatment, intervention services, and support from health professionals, 
        advocacy organizations, and other families who are dealing with the 
        syndrome;
Whereas recently discovered treatments, such as human growth hormone, are 
        improving the quality of life for individuals with the syndrome and 
        offer new hope to families, but many difficult symptoms associated with 
        Prader-Willi syndrome remain untreated;
Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome can lead to a better 
        understanding of the disorder, more effective treatments, and an 
        eventual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome;
Whereas increased research into Prader-Willi syndrome is likely to improve our 
        understanding of common public health concerns, including childhood 
        obesity and mental health; and
Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as Prader-Willi Syndrome 
        Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports raising awareness and educating the public 
        about Prader-Willi syndrome;
            (2) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations 
        that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide 
        education, support, and hope to those impacted by Prader-Willi 
        syndrome;
            (3) recognizes the commitment of parents, families, 
        researchers, health professionals, and others dedicated to 
        finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for Prader-
        Willi syndrome;
            (4) supports increased funding for research into the 
        causes, treatment, and cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and
            (5) expresses support for the designation of a National 
        Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.
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