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Prader-Willi Syndrome Support

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic condition impacting approximately .006% of people in the United States. Mainstay is proud to be the only southwestern PA provider with a dedicated program helping people with PWS to thrive.
Young man with glasses walking out of the door quickly.
What is PWS?
PWS Homes
Other PWS Services

What is PWS?

Impacting 350,000 people worldwide (10,000-20,000 in the USA), PWS is extremely rare. People living with PWS experience chronic hunger, growth hormone deficiency, and behavior challenges. Uncontrolled PWS can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. At Mainstay, our individualized support helps people with PWS to live their best life as they choose.

For More Information

A great resource to learn more about PWS is found on PWSUSA’s website.

Lindsay smiling for a headshot in her glasses

Meet Lindsay

Lindsay has been a part of the Mainstay community since 2004. In 2023, she became Mainstay’s first Peer Advocate, supporting several departments including quality, human resources, and advancement & engagement. She is also a member of the advocates group Voices of Mainstay. Lindsay lives with PWS and is proud to share her story.

Read Her Story
A young man with PWS and his mother on a park bench smiling

Meet David & Lisa

David lives with PWS. Lisa is his mom. Both have been members of Mainstay’s community since 1998. At Mainstay, we strive to serve everyone in a person’s support system so not only the person with PWS can live their best life, but also members of their support system know that they have a dedicated and specially trained team surrounding them..

Read Our Story

PWS Homes

Several Mainstay residences are designed specifically to support people living with PWS. Each home is unique to those who live there, and includes exercise equipment to support daily workouts, careful meal planning and areas to share menus, and practices and protocols to help a person live as independently as possible.

For More Information

To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Prader-Willi Syndrome Support.”

Other PWS Services

In addition to specialized homes, Mainstay can design programs for people with PWS who are living in their community. We are also eager to connect and consult with people and organizations that are supporting those living with this rare condition.
For More Information

To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Prader-Willi Syndrome Support.”

Stephen biting his medal in celebration of a race

Marathon Man

In 2024, Mainstay put together a team for the FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay. Stephen was eager to participate and partnered with Associate Director of Residential Services Gerri Russell to train. They ran the first leg of the relay together, completing 5.3 miles and having fun. And he’s ready for a longer leg of the 2025 Marathon!

Read His Story

Make a Referral

Are you interested in learning more about Mainstay’s programs, services, employment opportunities, events, and more? Complete the Referral Form and we’ll be back in touch soon!

Referral For Services
Community memebers utilizing the "Little Free Library" found in parks
A man and a women enjoying the outdoors on a walk

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