KVOA

Posted: Sep 30, 2009 9:37 PM
Updated: Oct 1, 2009 7:32 AM

CORPUS CHRISTI - A local man suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes him to be hungry all of the time, causes morbid obesity and can be deadly.

A typical day at Teri Hine's home requires the refrigerator to be bolted shut and she has to unlock the pantry to get her next meal.

Her son, Chris Buckner, has Prader-Willi Syndrome. According to pwsusa.org, about one in every 15,000 people have the disease.

Hine said Buckner has already survived two bilateral strokes and has kidney disease. She said the 22-year-old was diagnosed when he was a few months old.

"They think they're hungry all the time. They can literally eat themselves to death. Like, literally, the stomach has exploded. They asphyxiate," Hine said.

Buckner is moderately mentally retarded, however, he knows he suffers from the disease and has to stick to a rigorous diet. When he's home, Hine wears a key around her neck to make sure Buckner isn't tempted to eat.

"Just for his own safety you know and he feels safer knowing the food is not available to him," Hine said.

Buckner spends most of his time at a group home, where the refrigerator is locked and the meals are strictly regulated.

"I don't eat a lot at the group home or here," Buckner said.

Hine said she's had to educate herself, as well as some doctors about Prader-Willi Syndrome and wants to help others.

"If you think your child may have it or you do, just be vigilant. It's out of love and it's really hard. But, you have to put your own feeling of what we think is normal and put their feelings first," Hine said.

In addition, Hine wants to start a local support group. People can reach her at 361-906-4368.

Online Reporter: Thomas Piland