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What is Prader Willi?
PWS results from an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. It typically causes low muscle tone, short stature if not treated with growth hormone, incomplete sexual development, and a chronic feeling of hunger that, coupled with a metabolism that utilizes drastically fewer calories than normal, can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. The food compulsion makes constant supervision necessary.
LJ Collins
LJ Collins was a 15 year old boy who lived in a group home in Lexington, NC. He was a funny, sweet boy who loved Toy Story, the color blue, and Paula Deen. But he also suffered from hunger. LJ had Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS). One of the effects of this disorder is extreme hunger. He was always looking for food, thinking of food, and talking about food.
LJ frequently tried to escape from his home to find food. On October 21, 2012, he successfully escaped from his group home at 3:00am. He ran over a mile to a convenience store, and "purchased" ice cream using his lunch number. He then proceeded to walk down an on-ramp onto I-85 where he sat to eat his ice cream. Tragically, he was hit by a car and was killed.
Unfortunately, LJ's story is not unique. There have been many PWS children that have met the same fate, due to the hunger that they feel. This is where we have to help. Currently, there isn't a facility that meets the specific needs for these children. Nowhere that they can truly be safe.
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