Katie

When you meet Katie, one thing stands out immediately: her smile. Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Katie grew up alongside her two sisters and spent countless hours enjoying one of her favorite childhood activities, swimming at the lake. She credits much of her success to her mom, who consistently advocated for her throughout school and medical appointments, ensuring she had the support she needed to thrive.

Today, Katie has been living at Prader-Willi Homes (PWH), a MyPath Company, for nearly two years. During that time, she has built meaningful relationships, discovered new opportunities, and achieved goals she once thought were out of reach. "I really like doing activities," Katie shares. "Going to movies, doing Special Olympics, going for walks, going places on weekends, and sometimes getting coffee."

She also lights up when talking about one very special person in her life: her boyfriend. For Katie, what makes her house feel like home is the people around her. "I really like our manager, Dana," she says. "She doesn't treat us like kids. She treats us like adults." That sense of respect, independence, and belonging is something Katie values deeply.

When she's not out in the community, Katie enjoys expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. Whether she's working on diamond dot projects, coloring, or participating in activities at DayRISE, she enjoys finding new ways to create and express herself. Her interests also include music, writing songs, and binge-watching favorite shows like Stranger Things, Bones, Supernatural, and the CSI series.

Like everyone, Katie faces challenges. Meeting new people can sometimes be difficult, even though she is known for her positive attitude and warm smile. On tough days, she turns to music, her phone, or conversations with staff members she trusts. And if you ask what helps make a great day? Her answer comes quickly: "I really like my caffeine."

One of Katie's greatest accomplishments has been her commitment to health and wellness. Since moving to PWH, she has lost an incredible 172 pounds. "When I came to PWH, I weighed 320 pounds," Katie says. "This morning I weighed 148." Through healthy eating, exercise, and ongoing support, Katie has worked hard to reach this milestone—a testament to her determination and perseverance. Katie also helps others better understand Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), sharing that one of the biggest challenges is feeling hungry all the time and often being tired. To stay healthy and feel her best, she focuses on exercise and proper nutrition.

But perhaps the most important thing Katie wants others to know has nothing to do with a diagnosis. "I like writing songs, and I'm a proud aunt," she says. "My niece is one year old. I love her." Katie's story is a reminder that every person is more than a diagnosis. Behind every label is an individual with dreams, talents, relationships, accomplishments, and a unique story worth sharing.

At PWH, we are honored to support people like Katie as they pursue their goals, build meaningful connections, and continue creating lives filled with purpose, independence, and joy.