PWS United

PWS United

Welcome to PWS United, a podcast for the Prader-Willi Syndrome community, brought to you by PWSA | USA. This podcast gives the latest news in research, advocacy, and family support by bringing together staff, volunteers, PWS treatment specialists, biotech and pharmaceutical representatives, caregivers, family members, and individuals with PWS. Our goal is to connect education, awareness, and resources with those living with PWS and their supporters. Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life and empower those affected by Prader-Willi syndrome.

Episodes

August 26, 2025 23 mins
How does the perseverance of a community and the dedication of a pharmaceutical company lead to an FDA-approved treatment?    On this episode of PWS United, Anish Bhatnagar, CEO of Soleno Therapeutics, and Kristen Yen, Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Operations, met with Dorothea Lantz, PWSA | USA’s Director of Community Engagement, to look back on their path to FDA approval for VYKAT XR. VYKAT XR is the first-ever FDA-app...
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August is National Make-A-Will Month, and in this special bonus episode of PWS United, we’re shining a light on the importance of planning ahead - both for our families and for the future of PWSA | USA. This milestone year marks PWSA’s 50th anniversary, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy we want to leave for the Prader-Willi syndrome community.

Host Carrie Ilijevich is joined by Melanie Zalman, PWSA’s Direct...

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On today’s episode, we welcome Destiny Pacha, Ed.D., the president of EmpowerED Solutions, an organization dedicated to providing educational consulting, IEP advocacy, and support for families and professionals navigating the complex needs of children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and other genetic disorders in school settings.

 

Dr. Pacha was a recent speaker at our United in Hope Conference and graciously offered to extend her...

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July 29, 2025 55 mins

On this week’s episode of PWS United, we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA has been monumental in protecting individuals with disabilities from anti-discrimination legislation and ensuring the legal rights of individuals with disabilities to live, work, and receive services in our society.

In our discussion of the ADA, we dip briefly into the history of the modern di...

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The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

50th Anniversary

PWSA Memory: Volume33-Number4.pdf

Share your PWSA Memory: 50 Year Anniversary - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

Events

PWSAUSA 50th Anniversary: Journey of Hope Celebration - Campaign

2025 United in Hope International PWS Conference Recap-General

2025 United in Hope International PWS C...

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This episode is a recording from the 2025 United in Hope International PWS conference in Phoenix, AZ. "Endocrine Issues in Teens and Adults" was presented by Dr. Diane Stafford. In this session, Dr. Stafford discusses the issues of growth and pubertal development through the pre-teen and teen years in those with PWS, including the effects of growth hormone therapy and sex steroids. She also discusses the indications for the use of ...

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The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

United in Hope Conference

United in Hope—and Action: Reflections from the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Conference

2025 United in Hope International PWS Conference - YouTube

PWSA | USA 50th Birthday Party Drone Show

Submit conference testimonials to africke@pwsausa.org or communications@pwsausa.org

50th A...

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This episode is a recording from the 2025 United in Hope International PWS conference in Phoenix, AZ. "Nutrition Recommendations for Children and Families with PWS" session was presented by Michael Tan, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, registered dietitian at the University of Florida. This session is an overview of traditional nutrition recommendations, current recommendations and guidance, and how everyone in the family plays a role. 

Nutriti...

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This is the next episode in our Pioneers in PWS series, a podcast series from PWS United celebrating PWSA | USA's 50th Anniversary!

Before there were conferences, support groups, or even a central source of information on Prader-Willi syndrome, there were pioneers. Parents, professionals, and advocates who built the foundation of the PWS community-one connection, one breakthrough, one act of determination at a time. In honor of PWS...

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On June 24-28 families and providers in the PWS community from around the world will be gathering in Phoenix, AZ for the 2025 United in Hope International PWS Conference. This is the first ever joint conference between PWSA | USA, FPWR and IPWSO, which symbolizes a historic milestone in the PWS community This groundbreaking event will shape the future of PWS research and care. In this episode, we have a conversation between the th...

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May 27, 2025 37 mins

PWS United hosts Carrie Ilijevich and Anne Fricke sat down with Kristi Rickenbach, PWSA | USA Parent Support Coordinator and frequent guest on the podcast, and the woman behind so much of the intricate and incredible planning, PWSA | USA’s Events Coordinator, Angela Frazier, for a conversation about all things conference. They covered many topics including the mobile app for conference, getting around the grounds and the venue, foo...

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The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

United in Hope Conference

Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

Clinical and Scientific Program

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

50th Anniversary

PWSA Memory: 1995_Vo...

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PWSA | USA staff members Sarah Kasaby, Melanie Zalman, Charles Conway, Elaine Towle, and Kristi Rickenbach, are parents of loved ones with PWS. On this episode of PWS United, they share their PWS origin stories, how things have changed since the early days of their PWS journey, and their favorite ways to spread PWS awareness. Honesty, wisdom, support, pride in their loved ones, and hope for the future permeate this episode - an ins...

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The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

24 Hour Crisis Line: 941-312-0400

PWS Awareness Month - Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA

United in Hope Conference

Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

50th Anniversary

PWSA Memory: PWSA-Pulse-May-2021.pdf

Share your PWSA...

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In this episode of PWS United, we explore the science and hope behind Aardvark Therapeutics’ ARD-101, an investigational treatment currently in its Phase 3 clinical trial for Prader-Willi syndrome. Our guests, Dr. Tien Lee, CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, and Dr. Manasi Jaiman, Chief Medical Officer, break down the difference between hunger and appetite, and how ARD-101 targets gut-brain signaling to reduce hyperphagia.

Dr. Lee and D...

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The latest in PWSA | USA events and PWS news in research, family support, and advocacy. 

VYKAT XR Town Hall: Meeting Registration - Zoom

United in Hope Conference

Home - 2025 United in Hope PWS Conference

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Family Conference

High-Level 2025 Conference Schedule Professional Providers

For info on sponsorship opportunities: development@pwsausa.org

50th Anniversary

PWSA Memory: 1976_Vol-II-N1-Jan-1976....

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On this episode we brought in Lynn Garrick, PWSA | USA's Medical and Research Coordinator and the woman behind Ask Nurse Lynn. We pulled three previous submissions to discuss on this episode, based on some common questions that families in the PWS community have. Nurse Lynn discussed when and why to start growth hormone, tips for helping your loved one with skin-picking issues, and what are GLP-1s and why they may or may not work o...

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