Karen

When I came here, I was 410 pounds," Karen shares. Since then, she has lost an incredible 250 pounds. It's an achievement that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and it's just one part of Karen's remarkable story.

For 44 years, Karen has called Prader-Willi Homes (PWH), a MyPath Company, home. During that time, she has built meaningful relationships, worked toward personal goals, and created a life centered around connection, communication, and respect. Originally from Burlington, Wisconsin, Karen grew up with one sister and four step-siblings. When she reflects on her childhood, one person stands out above all others. "My mother, Carol," Karen says when asked who helped her the most growing up.

She also remembers the importance of having someone to talk to. "I was able to go to counseling regularly," she shares. "It helps people out to be able to talk with someone." That appreciation for communication has remained an important part of Karen's life.

After more than four decades at PWH, Karen has built meaningful relationships and found comfort in the people around her. She credits much of what makes her house feel like home to the efforts of the staff who help create a welcoming environment every day. "The things Crystal does to make it feel like a home," Karen says. She also speaks warmly about the people who have made an impact on her life, including Crystal R., Jake H., Johanna, and Celia.

For Karen, communication is one of the keys to having a great day. "When staff have good communication and how they say things, it can make me have a really good day," she explains. Her perspective serves as an important reminder that respect, kindness, and thoughtful communication can have a powerful impact on a person's daily life. When she's relaxing, Karen enjoys classic television shows such as The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Emergency! But if she could travel anywhere in the world, her destination is already chosen. "Hawaii," she says without hesitation. She dreams of seeing the ocean and beaches, wearing flower leis, experiencing a traditional luau, and taking in the beauty of the islands and their culture.

Karen's commitment to her health and wellness remains one of the accomplishments she is most proud of. Her 250-pound weight loss represents years of dedication to a goal and is one example of the growth she has experienced throughout her time at PWH. But when asked what she wishes people understood about Prader-Willi syndrome, Karen's answer isn't about her accomplishments. It's about how people treat one another. "Treat us the way they would like to be treated."

It's a simple message rooted in dignity, respect, and understanding. And when Karen talks about herself beyond a diagnosis, she wants people to know what truly matters to her. "I am a very nice person," she says. "I don't gossip about others." She is also proud of the relationships she has built. Karen and her boyfriend have been together for three years — a relationship she values deeply.

Over the past 44 years, Karen has built a life filled with meaningful relationships, personal accomplishments, and experiences that have shaped who she is today. From an extraordinary health and wellness journey to the connections she has made along the way, her story is one of perseverance, growth, and belonging.

At PWH, we are honored to support Karen and others as they pursue their goals, build lasting relationships, and create lives filled with dignity, purpose, and connection.