[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 543--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A 
 NATIONAL PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH TO RAISE AWARENESS OF 
                 AND PROMOTE RESEARCH ON THE DISORDER.

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. Cardin) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to.

                              S. Res. 543

       Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic disorder 
     that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 15,000 births;
       Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome is the most commonly known 
     genetic cause of life-threatening obesity;
       Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome affects--
       (1) males and females with equal frequency; and
       (2) all races and ethnicities;
       Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes an extreme and 
     insatiable appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity;
       Whereas morbid obesity is the major cause of death for 
     individuals with the Prader-Willi syndrome;
       Whereas Prader-Willi syndrome causes cognitive and learning 
     disabilities and behavioral difficulties, including 
     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 individuals with Prader-
     Willi syndrome have a high morbidity and mortality rate;
       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, including the use 
     of 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--
       (1) may lead to a better understanding of the disorder, 
     more effective treatments, and an eventual cure for Prader-
     Willi syndrome; and
       (2) is likely to lead to a better 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 Senate--
       (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; and
       (4) expresses support for the designation of a National 
     Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.

                          ____________________