Participate in Research Studies

There are two opportunities for people with PWS to participate in research studies. Please click on a link below for more information on each:

• Child & Family Research Institute BC - with Lara Musa
• University of Alberta (Edmonton) - with Dr. Andrea Haqq


Student Research Awarded

The British Columbia Prader-Willi Syndrome Association is rewarding a Student Research Award in the amount of $1250 to Lara Andrea Musa for her research project titled “Comparison of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue distribution between people with Prader-Willi syndrome and controls.” Lara is working under the supervision of Dr. Gibson at the University of BC. She is in her fourth year of Cell Biology and Genetics. An additional $250 will be forwarded when arrangements are made by Lara Andrea for a presentation at our fall or spring BCPWSA conference. Conference dates to be announced at a later date.

Lara writes: "I just wanted to say a big thank you for giving me the opportunity to be this year's BCPWSA student research award recipient. It is a great honor and I look forward to presenting my findings during one of your conferences. My project aims to develop a new way of isolating and determining the distribution of fat tissue from whole-body MRI scans. Fat around the heart and intestines is of higher interest since it correlates more with serious diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. If you are, or know of someone who might be, interested please contact me at lmusa@cfri.ca.

I am currently working as a summer student with Dr. William Gibson at the Child and Family Research Institute and will be returning to school in September as a 4th year Cell Biology and Genetics major. I am very excited to finish my undergraduate degree to pursue a career in genetic counseling. I look forward to meeting all of you soon. For the meantime, if you have any questions about my project, or anything at all, don't hesitate to contact me! I will be very happy to answer all of them! "

• Download an overview of Lara's research (PDF)


Summer Camp Sponsorships for 2011

• Download an application form (to attend camp, sponsored by BCPWSA)
• Read a thank-you letter from Lauren, who recently went to camp!


PWS Skating Party 2010

On December 28th, 2010 the Gagne and Nickerson families hosted their second skating party in Kelowna. $1473.00 was raised for the BCPWSA and a great time was had by all! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and we hope to see you next year!


New PWS Books by Dr. Terrance James

Two books are now available.

• Prader-Willi Syndrome: Quality of Life
• Prader-Willi Syndrome: Growing Older

To learn more, click here.


Upcoming UBC Study

This study is designed to discover new genes that contribute to obesity, and to assess how these genes affect hunger and body fat deposition. We are interested in recruiting children and adults with rare diseases affecting body fatness, in order to discover the molecular nature behind their changes in appetite and body fatness. We also wish to define the medical features of these diseases with greater precision. [read more]


FPWR Canada now Canada's National PWS Organization

The previous CPWSO board has unanimously approved the CPWSO joining FPWR Canada. This means that FPWR Canada is now Canada’s national PWS organization. The organizational structure will have FPWR Canada focus on research at the national level and the provincial organizations focus on support. This is a big step forward as a united Canadian Group. [read more]

• Fall, 2011
• Spring, 2010
• Winter, 2009
• Fall, 2007
• Summer, 2007
• Spring 2007
• Fall, 2006
• Spring, 2006

• Fall, 2011
• Spring, 2011
• Fall, 2010
• Spring, 2010
• Fall, 2009
• Spring, 2009
• Fall, 2008
• Spring Conference, 2008
• Fall, 2007
• Spring, 2007
• Fall, 2006
• Spring, 2006
• Spring, 2005

If you or a family member is affected by PWS, we encourage you to become a member of our association.

more info...