A Senate Resolution sponsored by local State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) declaring May 2025 as Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month was unanimously approved by the Illinois Senate last week.
The resolution was introduced following a member initiative request from Chris and Amy Avart of Mason City, whose young daughter, Esme, lives with PWS — a rare genetic disorder that causes constant hunger, developmental challenges, and requires 24/7 care.
Speaking on the Illinois Senate Floor, State Sen. Anderson hopes to raise awareness for the condition and encourage future efforts to recognize PWS as a disability in Illinois.
PWS affects about one in 15,000 children.