Tip of the Week: In his words
October 13, 2017
Dylan asked to be featured in this week’s tip so he could help other students living with PWS who may be struggling. Dylan is a student who has grown more than I had ever hoped in the past few years. He is compassionate, loving, full of life, and always willing to help out a friend. Below is the unedited answer to my question, “What’s the best thing about being Dylan?”:
“My name is Dylan and I’m happy. I lost 200 pounds and that’s great but it’s not just the weight it’s that I’m happy. I’m happy because I can run and play games and it’s easier to do everything when you lose so much. I used to have a hard time just walking and now I don’t. I always wanted a best friend and now I have one and that’s because I live here (at Latham). I wish there was a train nearby because I know everything about trains. I never had friends and now I have a lot of them. And I’m smart. Before I came here I used to get mad a lot and do things that weren’t nice. I don’t do those things anymore. Did I already say that I’m smart? I took a test for smart kids and I almost passed it. I missed passing by 5 points and that’s not bad. I’m taking it again and I’m going to pass this time. I’m happy because I feel good and I love my friends and I love it here.”
We love you too, Dylan!
Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families, and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.