All of us face challenges in life, but some of us enter this
world with the deck more stacked against us than others.
This coming Saturday, May 21, a very brave Gilroy student named
Felix will participate in a
”
Walk-Along,
”
a fundraising activity for fighting a random genetic condition
called Prader-Willi Syndrome, one of the 10 most common genetic
syndromes.
All of us face challenges in life, but some of us enter this world with the deck more stacked against us than others.
This coming Saturday, May 21, a very brave Gilroy student named Felix will participate in a “Walk-Along,” a fundraising activity for fighting a random genetic condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome, one of the 10 most common genetic syndromes.
It is a lifelong condition that Felix knows a lot about, since he was born with it. It is complicated by mental retardation, behavioral problems and developmental delays. PWS often leads to diabetes and premature death. Yet, in spite of all this, Felix is a freshman at Gilroy High School and is regularly recognized for his outstanding academic efforts.
Felix says, “When I was born I had this happen to me. My mom, doctors and therapists had to work together to take care of me. I slept all the time because I was always tired, and it took a long time to move as other kids do, because I have low muscle tone. I had a hard time getting bigger as it was difficult to eat, and I was barely strong enough to do that.”
According to the Prader-Willi Foundation, this random genetic syndrome affects the 15th chromosome and makes it impossible to recognize hunger and appetite normally. It is the most common genetic cause of obesity that has so far been identified. Felix explains it this way: “As a toddler, I was able to eat. And wanted to eat all the time, as my stomach can’t tell my brain when I’m full. Then I began to gain weight and got obese.
“This happens as my body only needs one third the amount of calories that a typical person needs. I was diagnosed at 5-years-old. There are many problems that can happen to people like me. If our diets aren’t watched by others, we can gain so much weight that it can lead to health problems, problems in society, and problems in our families.”
One way Felix combats the effects of the disease is by being very physically active. He participates in VIP soccer and plays for the American Youth Soccer Organization. He enjoys games like handball in the MACSA after school program and at the Gilroy Community Youth Center. He holds a blue belt in the martial art of Kenpo Karate, and he has performed in talent shows by giving Karate demonstrations set to music.
Felix wants people to know that “there are families that PWS happens to that need help. They need help to find doctors, support groups and good teachers. Also, there is no cure, but there are doctors and researchers searching for answers to help those who have PWS to have a better life.
“If you can support me with pledges, I’ll be helping to set up and will walk in the Walk-Along for Prader-Willi Awareness at Berkeley Marina (Caesar Chavez Park) at 11am this Saturday. There is a picnic, music, kite flying and fun activities for kids in the park afterwards.”
