Woman with Prader-Willi syndrome celebrates graduation with family

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Winter graduations are getting underway and one family is particularly excited to see their loved one walk across the stage.

Tyanna Tran was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder when she was born and her parents were told she might not live. But now, it’s graduation time for 24-year-old Tran.

“I’m excited,” said Tran as she worked on decorating her graduation cap in her Pasco County home with her mother, sister and personal support aide.

Tran’s mother, Julie Dang-Martinez, says it’s a day doctors told her might never come. Her daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Wille syndrome and given a limited lifespan.

Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a variety of physical, mental and behavioral features.

“We were told that she wouldn’t even live to middle school,” said Dang-Martinez. “And then when she got to high school, she got Honor Roll, she got high GPA awards and now she’s graduating college. It’s a huge thing for our family not just because she’s graduating college, but she wasn’t expected to live.”

Tran is defying those odds. She’s walking the stage Wednesday, after earning her AA from Pasco-Hernando State College. She plans to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

University of Florida Professor Dr. Jennifer Miller specializes in Prader-Willi syndrome and says this is a rare achievement.

An exciting achievement this family hopes inspires others.

“We want to show other families that it can be done,” said Dang-Martinez. “When they want to give up hope when it’s hard, when their child’s in the hospital for diabetes or obesity complications and stuff like that, it’s possible.”