Prader Willi Syndrome

ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to meet Toen and Amy Starkweather, whose 9-year-old son, Ethan, suffers from a rare disorder called Prader Willi syndrome. In this episode of Extreme Makeover, volunteers included country singer Miranda Lambert and friend Sheryl Crow.

What id PWS?
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is an uncommon genetic disorder. It causes poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones and a constant feeling of hunger. The part of the brain that controls feelings of fullness or hunger does not work properly in people with PWS. They overeat, leading to obesity.

Babies with PWS are usually floppy, with poor muscle tone, and have trouble sucking. Boys may have undescended testicles. Later, other signs appear. These include

* Short stature
* Poor motor skills
* Weight gain
* Underdeveloped sex organs
* Mild mental retardation and learning disabilities

There is no cure for PWS. Growth hormone and exercise can help build muscle mass and control weight.