May marks Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month—a time to come together, amplify voices, and shine a light on a rare but impactful genetic condition.
At the Paediatric Endocrinology Department, Aster Hospitals – Bengaluru Cluster, we are proud to stand united for hope with families, caregivers, educators, and global organizations working toward better understanding, care, and inclusion for those living with PWS.
Understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex genetic disorder caused by the absence or malfunction of specific genes on chromosome 15. It affects approximately 1 in every 15,000–30,000 births worldwide.
Key characteristics of PWS include:
- Poor muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy
- Feeding difficulties in early infancy, followed by insatiable hunger (hyperphagia) in later years
- Short stature due to growth hormone deficiency
- Behavioral challenges, such as rigidity, anxiety, and emotional outbursts
- Mild to moderate intellectual disability
- Endocrine problems, including low sex hormones and thyroid dysfunction
Despite these challenges, early diagnosis, specialized medical care, and a compassionate support network can help individuals with PWS live full, meaningful lives.
Why PWS Awareness Matters
Awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to compassionate action. Here’s why this month matters:
✔️ Early Diagnosis = Better Outcomes
Recognizing signs early can lead to timely interventions, improving long-term health and development.
✔️ Support Creates Safety
Supportive environments, whether in schools, homes, or communities, can transform lives.
✔️ Research Brings Possibility
New genetic insights, behavioral strategies, and medical advances continue to shape brighter futures. When we stand united for hope, we advocate for better care, deeper empathy, and inclusive futures for every child and adult with PWS.
Our Commitment at Aster Hospitals
This May, the Pediatric Endocrinology and Multidisciplinary Team at Aster Hospitals is actively engaged in:
- Sharing educational content daily across social media
- Hosting in-hospital awareness activities for staff and visitors
- Facilitating virtual meetups and family counseling sessions
- Distributing educational toolkits for schools, therapists, and caregivers
We believe that knowledge empowers, and early intervention saves lives.
How You Can Make a Difference
Together, we are stronger. Here’s how you can contribute to the PWS movement:
- Share our awareness posts to amplify the message
- Learn about the signs and symptoms of PWS
- Support families in your community with kindness and empathy
- Advocate for inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and healthcare
Let’s build a world where no family feels alone on this journey. One act of awareness can spark a lifetime of change.
United for Hope: A Final Thought
Every individual with PWS carries unique strengths, potential, and dreams. Let us commit to creating a world where those with PWS are not only accepted—but celebrated.
This May, we stand United for Hope—raising our voices for those who need them most.
Get in Touch – We're Here to Support You
Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or advocate, we’re here to help.
Contact Us via our PWS Support Form: https://forms.gle/MgKrdFBHxUpp851n8
