Prader-Willi Syndrome isn't a disorder many people would be aware of but Mel Peterson, coordinator for governance and information services at Kempsey Shire Council, has sacrificed her hair to increase awareness of the disorder and support those children who suffer.
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"This is all about awareness, very little people actually know what PWS is, so this initiative is about getting an understanding out there, and attempt to ensure people are more considerate of those that suffer and understand what their battles are when it comes to food," Mel said.
"It'd be great to see better curriculum in schools as well so that they can co-join because not all schools are up to scratch with it."
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PWS is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 100,000 births. In newborns, symptoms include weak muscles, poor feeding, and slow development.
Once someone who suffers grows older into childhood they become constantly hungry, which often leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
"The biggest issue is the fact these children are always hungry because they don't produce the enzyme to let them know when they're full, so they're always starving and parents have to lock up cupboards and bins and at schools have to be vigilant as well," Mel said.
Earlier this month Mel decided she would shave her long locks to increase awareness of PWS and raise a goal of $1000 to support her niece and god-daughter, Aiyana, who was born with the disorder.
"Within the third or fourth day Aiyana was born doctors knew something was wrong and luckily she was diagnosed early and was able to connect for treatments," Mel explained.
"To see the extremities of the disease is significant, as her god-mother I'm quite blessed to have such a beautiful individual in my life and she is my inspiration."
Today, with the help of Mel's husband, the long locks disappeared with various members of council dressing in Orange for PWS day.
Despite some initial nerves and shaking, Mel was delighted with the outcome - particularly the support she received for the initiative.
"I'm so grateful for the support I've been given and the awareness we've created from this," she said.
"The Prader-Willi Research Foundation have been fantastic, and I'm ecstatic that I reached my goal of $1000 four days ago.
"The excess donations from that $1000 will go towards the foundation in assisting their research efforts."
If you would like to donate to Mel's cause visit the page here.