Hurdle Signs On as National Celebrity Spokesperson for Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Week 2006

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) April 26, 2006 -—

Clint Hurdle, Manager of the Colorado Rockies Baseball team, has officially signed on as the national celebrity spokesperson for PWS Awareness Week which is from April 30 – May 6, 2006. PWS Awareness Week is a public education initiative to increase awareness of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and save lives. PWS is the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity and current estimations figure that up to 80% of babies who have PWS in the United States go undiagnosed because many doctors do not know the symptoms and how to test for it. Hurdle’s own three-year-old daughter has PWS.

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) (PWSA (USA)) launched PWS Awareness Week, always the first week in May, in an effort to reach individuals who are struggling unknowingly with PWS and medical personnel who are in a position to make a PWS diagnosis. Along with PWSA (USA), chapters, families, and professionals from around the nation will engage in grassroots efforts, planning events, contacting media and political representatives, and conducting PWS education trainings, to further promote awareness of PWS.

“Awareness and early education can prevent obesity-related deaths and years of isolation and emotional trauma to the family and child,” said Janalee Heinemann, executive director of PWSA (USA). “We are excited that Clint Hurdle has agreed to take a swing to raise the public consciousness of this little known and serious syndrome. Awareness is key to saving lives and even thousands of dollars a year in medical costs for each child,” she added.

PWS is a complex syndrome affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior. The hallmark characteristics of PWS that typically begin around age three to five include an insatiable appetite that cannot learn to be controlled because of a dysfunction of the hypothalamus in the brain and rapid weight gain on few calories because of a malfunctioning metabolic system. Ironically, babies typically show no interest in eating and have difficulty sucking in what is known as "failure to thrive" stage. Those with PWS need strict external controls, including padlocking access to food, to maintain normal weight and life-saving intervention. Children as young as three have died of weight related problems.

It is estimated that PWS affects one in 12,000 to 15,000 births, not including those who become PWS-like after birth as a result of brain injury or trauma. The syndrome affects both males and females and all ethnic groups. Currently there is no cure and to date, no medications or procedures are successful in staving off the relentless hunger. However, growth hormone has been effective in increasing height, improving body mass and metabolism, and boosting strength and energy.

In addition to his role as PWS Awareness Week National Celebrity Spokesperson, Hurdle and his wife, Karla, announced that they will donate $100 for every Rockies win this season to the “Win for Kids” program, a joint charity effort of the Colorado Rockies and Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain, whereby their donation will be split evenly between The Children's Hospital in Denver and the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association. The Rockies and FSN Rocky Mountain are encouraging fans to support the effort and pledge at least $1 per Rockies win this season. All proceeds will go directly to the non-profits, and the Rockies Foundation will match all pledges.

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) is the only national membership organization that helps children and adults with PWS and their families through every stage of life in the United States and is a 501(c)(3) charity. It was formed in 1975 to provide a vehicle of communication for parents, professionals, and other interested citizens. Headquartered in Sarasota, FL, the organization supports, educates, advocates and funds research for PWS. Hospitals, physicians, and parents from all over the world consult with PWSA (USA) with medical emergencies and questions daily.

For more information about PWS or to make a donation, please contact PWSA (USA) toll-free at (800) 926-4797 or (941) 312-0400 or visit their Web site at http://www.pwsausa.org.

Contact Information:

Janalee Heinemann

Executive Director

PWSA (USA)

941-312-0400; 800-926-4797

http://www.pwsausa.org

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