
The PWS Roadshow is a series of events throughout the Pacific Northwest, put on by the Washington/Oregon chapter of PWSA and sponsored by Soleno Therapeutics, the makers of VYKAT XR, the only FDA-approved treatment for hyperphagia. It is an opportunity to meet local PWS families, ask experts and connect with PWS professionals in the area, learn about new and potential treatments for hyperphagia, and connect with Soleno PACE for product support and resources.
As Vonnie Sheadel, chapter president, host of the PWS roadshow, and mom to Bill (46, living with PWS) wrote:
“Because PWS is rare, families frequently face isolation, often traveling vast distances just to find specialized support. The PWS Roadshow is actively changing that narrative by establishing immediate, tight-knit local circles of permanent support right in these families’ backyards—including connecting with individuals and families who may have been missed by traditional outreach in the past.”
In this episode you’ll hear from Vonnie herself, Cainan (adult living with PWS), and his mom Heather, PWS parents Joseph and Erin, and PWS United's co-host Anne and her daughter Freya (living with PWS), all talking about the Medford PWS Roadshow, along with the value and importance of creating and attending events like these.
PWS Link Map | Mysite
Events | PWSA-OR-WA.ORG
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Aug 4
22 min

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy.
24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400
Join our Newsletter - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Pulse Header
The Road to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
What Does Disability Pride Month Mean to Me? - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Spotlight on PWS
Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Resource Spotlight
Medical-Reference-Guide-for-Parents-Rebranded-2022.pdf
Events | Fundraisers
Cocktails for a Cause- A Night for Prader-Willi Syndrome - Campaign
Residential Providers Conference - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
PWS Community Day Registration (Los Angeles) Survey
PWS Community Day Registration (San Franscisco Bay Area) Survey
PWSA Events
Podcast
Ep101: Transitioning PWS to Adulthood | PWS United
Advocacy
Meet Our Equity Committee: Ashish Rishi - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Calling Nevada PWS Families - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Family Support
Why We Gather - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Ask Nurse Lynn: Deconditioning After Hospital Stay - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Research
MedPanel Research: survey.alphadetail.com/wix/8/p451407915088.aspx
PWS Clinician Information Collection Form - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
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Music: www.purple-planet.com
Disclaimer for show notes:
This episode is sponsored by Soleno Therapeutics, the makers of VYKAT XR. While PWSA | USA does not endorse any specific treatment, we recognize the importance of sharing information about options available to the PWS community. Decisions about medical care should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Please visit www.vykatxr.com for information on use and potential side effects.
Jul 21
53 min

PWS Moms, Jen Garzia (mom to Rocco, 22), Denise Servais (mom to Maya, 22), and Elaine Towle (mom to James, 40) share the challenges, successes, and timelines of helping their loved one transition into adulthood. Guardianship, social security benefits, day programs, and medical care are the focus of this conversation. But the thread through it all is the call for adaptability. How to shift gears, perspectives, and expectations when one solution isn’t a good fit. What it looks like when, after twenty years of following the plot line, you realize the systems in place do not comply.
As PWS mom Jen Garzia says in this episode, “the systems aren’t as advanced as our kids have become.” This is not an episode on the frustrations and grief of broken and archaic systems, of a society still learning how to care for its more vulnerable members, but one of versatility, steadfastness, and the wisdom, creativity, and effectiveness of adapting.
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Music: www.purple-planet.com
Jul 14
53 min

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy.
24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400
Pulse Header
2027 PWSA | USA United in Hope National Convention - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Caribe Royale Resort | Resort in Orlando Florida | Official Site
(7) Facebook Live | Facebook
Spotlight on PWS
Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Resource Spotlight
Understanding Constipation in Prader-Willi Syndrome
Events | Fundraisers
PWS Community Day Registration (Los Angeles) Survey
PWS Community Day Registration (San Franscisco Bay Area) Survey
PWS Roadshow Heading to Spokane, Washington, July 11: Summer Tour Breaks Isolation and Builds 'Instant Villages' Across the Northwest - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
PWSA Events
Podcast
Ep99: Navigating School Transitions, Trainings, Non-Negotiables, and More with Destiny Pacha | PWS United
Advocacy
Calling Nevada PWS Families - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Access to Services for Individuals with PWS in Georgia Survey
Family Support
Conference Recap from a Grateful Mom and a Happy Daughter - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Minnesota | PWSA-MN
Ask Nurse Lynn: Supporting a Long Life with PWS - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Research
MedPanel Research: survey.alphadetail.com/wix/8/p451407915088.aspx
TREND Community: Shedding Light on PWS and Sleep - Understanding Cataplexy
PWS Clinician Information Collection Form - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Announcements
PWSA | USA Board of Directors Member Spotlight: John Lens - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/ License certificate #2242442
Music: www.purple-planet.com
Disclaimer for show notes:
This episode is sponsored by Soleno Therapeutics, the makers of VYKAT XR. While PWSA | USA does not endorse any specific treatment, we recognize the importance of sharing information about options available to the PWS community. Decisions about medical care should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Please visit www.vykatxr.com for information on use and potential side effects.
Jul 7
29 min

This episode is loaded with important information for your school-aged loved one with PWS. Destiny Pacha, PWS education specialist and IEP consultant, gathered questions from parents and caregivers in the community about many aspects of the school experience. Topics covered include progress reports, how to re-evaluate and advocate for necessary supports, what are the non-negotiables, when to discuss extended school year (ESY) options, staff trainings, transitioning to a new classroom, school, or from summer break, addressing food security in the classroom, and more. Be sure to keep this podcast in your library as you will likely want to refer back to it again and again!
Be sure to check out the many valuable resource links below.
Questions for Dr. Pacha
Empowered Solutions
EmpowerED Solutions (@empowered_solutions_) • Instagram photos and videos
Family Support Webinar: Everything You Need to Know About Extended School Year
It Starts With Hello: Katie's Story About Prader-Willi Syndrome | Book Reading with Author Dr. Pacha
Family Support Webinar: Creating an Individualized Health Plan
Family Support: Social Stories - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Resources A-Z: Cards - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
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Jun 30
1 hr 8 min

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy.
24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400
Pulse Header
2027 PWSA | USA United in Hope National Convention - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Caribe Royale Resort | Resort in Orlando Florida | Official Site
Spotlight on PWS
Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Resource Spotlight
How To Travel with Refrigerated Medication - PWSA USA
Events | Fundraisers
Mom’s Hike: 2026 Event Series
[email protected]
Home - DADventure Retreat
PWSA Events
Podcast
Ep97 Father's Day Special: Two PWS Dads, Two Events, One Powerful Mission | PWS United
Advocacy
Advocacy & Awareness - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Family Support
Appreciation for Fathers and How They Show Up for PWS - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Ask Nurse Lynn: Anesthesia and Steroids - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Research
TEMPO PWS Clinical Study For Prader-Willi Syndrome - Enroll Today
PWS Clinician Information Collection Form - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Announcements
PWSA | USA Board of Directors Member Spotlight: John Lens - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/ License certificate #2242442
Music: www.purple-planet.com
Disclaimer for show notes:
This episode is sponsored by Soleno Therapeutics, the makers of VYKAT XR. While PWSA | USA does not endorse any specific treatment, we recognize the importance of sharing information about options available to the PWS community. Decisions about medical care should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Please visit www.vykatxr.com for information on use and potential side effects.
Jun 23
41 min

Father's Day is almost here (June 21), and we're celebrating with two incredible dads from the PWS community. PWSA | USA's Director of Development Melanie Zalman and Fundraising Coach Katie Martinez sat down with John Lens, dad to Hunter, and Clint Hurdle, dad to Maddie. Both are proud fathers, PWSA | USA Board of Directors members, and longtime champions of the PWS community.
For over a decade, John and Clint have each hosted annual fundraising events to benefit PWSA | USA: The Hunter Lens Golf Tournament and the Clint Hurdle Hot Stove Dinner. In this heartfelt conversation, they open up about their families, their loved ones' journeys with PWS, and what keeps them coming back year after year to give back to the broader PWS community. They also share personal reflections on fatherhood and offer advice for others walking a similar path.
To all the dads in our PWS community, Happy Father's Day!
Hunter Lens Golf TournamentSaturday, September 19, 2026 | Heritage Hills Golf Course, Lakeville, MALearn more and register at: https://give.pwsausa.org/event/hunter-lens-golf-tournament/e791873
Clint Hurdle Hot Stove DinnerSave the Date! Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Bradenton, FLRegistration details coming soon at pwsausa.org.
Jun 16
40 min

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy.
24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400
Pulse Header
Enjoy Summer with this List of Fun Activities! - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Navigating Summer Celebrations - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Staying Safe in the Heat - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Spotlight on PWS
Share Your Story - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Resource Spotlight
TREND Connect
Events | Fundraisers
Dancing Through the Decades - Campaign
Donate to Hummus & Watermelon: United We Brunch for PWS
PWSA Events
Podcast
Ep95 Garrick Siblings: Importance of Community and Listening | PWS United
Advocacy
Local Moms Show Support for Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day
Finding the Funny
Prader Silly: A Night of Rare Laughs - Campaign
D.C. Fly-In 2026 - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Family Support
Awareness Month Success: Thank you, PWS Community! - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Medical Stories - Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): Ayoni's Story
Ask Nurse Lynn: NG Tube or G Tube - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Research
Home - Global Prader-Willi Syndrome Registry
The Missing Piece in the Prader-Willi Puzzle: Optimizing Transitions of Care and Patient Quality of Life
PRETEND Program for Preschoolers Eligibility Form
PWS Clinician Information Collection Form - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Announcements
2027 PWSA | USA United in Hope National Convention - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/ License certificate #2242442
Music: www.purple-planet.com
Disclaimer for show notes:
This episode is sponsored by Soleno Therapeutics, the makers of VYKAT XR. While PWSA | USA does not endorse any specific treatment, we recognize the importance of sharing information about options available to the PWS community. Decisions about medical care should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Please visit www.vykatxr.com for information on use and potential side effects.
Jun 9
29 min

We’re excited to share our latest Sibling Advocacy episode on PWS United. In this ongoing series, we talk with siblings about how they show up for their loved ones with PWS, whether at the kitchen table, at school, among friends, in government spaces, or anywhere their sibling may need support.
This episode is hosted by Elaine Towle, PWSA | USA's Advocacy Specialist and mom to James, living with PWS. She spoke with Hannah and Alex Garrick, siblings to John (20, living with PWS). They share a bit about their lives growing up with a sibling with PWS; the neighborhood watch, food security, and how it led them into the careers they have now. Hannah and Alex are open about the aggression they experienced from their brother and how food security was difficult, but also share the love they feel for John, the lessons they have gained from their experiences with him, and the relief and happiness that he is doing so well in his current situation. They talk about the importance of listening, both siblings to their loved one with PWS and parents to the sibling, community involvement for the individual with PWS, and how their family has approached the conversation of guardianship.
Learn more about Prader-Willi syndrome and PWSA | USA at
www.pwsausa.org
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Jun 2
35 min

PWS advocates had an incredible experience in Washington, D.C., this past May 4-6. From policy deep dives and meetings with congressional representatives, to cocktail meetups and seeing old friends, it was a busy, but nourishing, few days. The communications team at PWSA | USA spoke with several attendees at the fly-in to hear their thoughts on what they want their representatives to take home from these meetings, moments that stood out to them, and how to describe PWS advocacy with one word.
Resources:
2026-Hill-Day-Ask-Document-RDIH.pdf
FDA Rare Disease Innovation Hub | FDA
2026-Hill-Day-Ask-Document-Genomic-Answers-for-CHA.pdf
2026-Hill-Day-Ask-Document-KASSA.pdf
Facebook
Voices That Move Policy: Recapping PWSA | USA's 2026 D.C. Fly-In - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
Can't Make It to D.C.? Here's How to Advocate From Home During PWSA | USA's 2026 Fly-In - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA
May 26
43 min
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