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. Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/  License certificate #2242442  Music: www.purple-planet.com

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.

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 Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/  License certificate #2242442

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.

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.

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.

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   Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/  License certificate #2242442

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

The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy.  24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400   Pulse Header  The Importance of PWS Awareness Day - PWSA | USA Blog Resource Spotlight  Share Your Spotlight on PWS PWS Awareness Month  Hummus & Watermelon United We Brunch Event - May 31, 2026 | Omaha, NE PWS Awareness Month Hub Events | Fundraisers  View All Upcoming PWS Community Events Soleno Therapeutics PWS Community Day in New Jersey United in Action - PWS Awareness Month Campaign Podcast  Ep92 Ask Nurse Lynn: Behavior and Psychiatric Issues Advocacy  A full recap of PWSA | USA's 2026 D.C. Fly-In is coming soon! Colors of Hope Webinar - Advocating as a Person of Color in the Rare Disease Space (May 28 | 8 PM ET) RSVP to: [email protected] Advocacy in New Hampshire: RDAC Appointment of Melanie Zalman, Awareness Day Proclamation - PWSA | USA Blog Calling Kansas PWS Families - PWSA | USA Blog Family Support  PWS Roadshow Connects Families in Bellingham for Life-Changing Outreach Event - PWSA | USA Blog More PWS Roadshow Events Ask Nurse Lynn: Recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - PWSA | USA Blog Submit your own non-emergency medical question: Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA   Research  Aardvark Therapeutics Plans to Unblind HERO and OLE Data to Inform Path Forward Following FDA Clinical Hold Free CME! The Missing Piece in the Prader-Willi Puzzle: Optimizing Transitions of Care and Patient Quality of Life PRETEND Play Intervention Study for Ages 3-7: Eligibility Form For questions, email: neurodevelopmen​tresearchlab@gm​ail.com PWS Clinician Information Collection Form PWSA | USA Announcements 2027 United in Hope National PWS Convention Scholarship Applications (Due by June 1, 2026)   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.

For this episode we brought in Lynn Garrick, PWSA | USA's Medical and Research Coordinator, mom to John (living with PWS, and the woman behind Ask Nurse Lynn to talk about behavior and psychiatric issues. We learn some important behavioral tips, the importance of consistency, the signs of when it might be time to intervene with medication, how disordered sleep affects behavior, and more.  Our Ask Nurse Lynn library is growing by the week! Please take a moment to look through those articles at Ask Nurse Lynn Archives - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA If you have a non-emergency medical question and would like a response from Lynn, please visit Ask Nurse Lynn - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA Intro Music: https://www.bensound.com/  License certificate #2242442  Music: www.purple-planet.com