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Established in January of 2006, Zak’s Promise: Progress with Support, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation founded by Jamie and Jacqueline Bassel in honor of their son, Zakary (3) who has Prader –Willi Syndrome (PWS).  Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare and complex genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in a small region of the 15^th chromosome. The 15^th chromosome is a region vital to regulating appetite, metabolism, cognitive function and behavioral patterns. Recent medical studies have suggested that those afflicted with Autism and Autistic Disorders are also caused by genetic abnormalities on the same chromosome. Characterized at birth by extreme hypotonia, failure to thrive and severe developmental delays, Prader-Willi Syndrome is ironically the most commonly known cause of life-threatening obesity.

 

 

 

There is an estimated 30 000 people in the United States that suffer with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a chronic insatiable feeling of hunger and low metabolism affect their daily lives.  These specific factors lead to excessive eating and life threatening obesity related illnesses.  Only with constant supervision and care from birth to adulthood can an individual with Prader-Willi Syndrome avoid a lifetime of chronic health issues, social crises and premature death. 

 

 

 

The mission of Zak’s Promise: Progress with Support, Inc is to raise awareness, research funds and a cure for PWS. The foundation has held 2 fundraising events at PGA National in West Palm Beach and this year will host the 1^st Annual “Laugh for A Cure” on October 22^nd at NYC Gotham Comedy Club. The event will be hosted by Adam Ferrara currently appearing on Fox’s Rescue Me. All proceeds from the event will go towards research. The foundation has recently partnered with the Genetic Disease Foundation and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine to create a full-time research position to study Prader-Willi Syndrome and other genetic disorders caused by the 15^th chromosome.

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets please visit:

www.GothamComedyClub.com