In Arizona, we have an annual tradition of hosting a "Walk-Along" to raise awareness in the Tucson and Phoenix areas about the challenges faced by families coping with Prader-Willi Syndrome. We call it a "Walk-Along" instead of a "Walkathon" to symbolize the need that affected individuals have for advocates to "walk along" with them throughout life, as it is nearly impossible for individuals to maintain a healthy, productive life on their own.

PWS Awareness Day in Arizona has five goals:

• To raise awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome by providing information to the community.
• To bring more families under the umbrella of support in the chapter and national organizations.
• To raise funds to support chapter and national projects (research, education, crisis intervention, support).
• To identify more persons with Prader-Willi Syndrome (intervention + support = improved quality of life).
• To provide families with a fun event that everybody can enjoy together.

In April of 1996 and 1997, the Phoenix and Tucson area family groups hosted their respective "Walk-Alongs" with great success. Besides raising awareness in the community, families were able to share together in a fun way, and participants enjoyed a brisk fresh-air walk in the park, and a low-calorie lunch afterwards. Individuals with PWS who participated went home with a T-shirt, a picture, some happy memories, and a feeling of accomplishment and support that they may not have realized otherwise. Public awareness was raised through media coverage: a two-day television coverage in Phoenix and a two-page coverage in a Tucson newspaper - with pictures!

If you would like to sponsor a PWS walker in the next Walk-Along, please contact the organization by email or contact the area coordinators named at the top of the PWSAA Home Page.

Check out the PWSAA site.

Read the latest online issue of the Prader-Willi Nilli News

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