Hi, for the majority of my life I battled with an eating disorder. A large portion of that time I was unable to comprehend, or understand that I did indeed have an eating disorder(one of the largest symptoms of a ED). Thankfully I had family, a community, friends and so many others who made sure that I received treatment, payed for treatment, saved my life. I couldn’t see it at the time however I’m thankful that I had those around to fight for me when I was unable to do so for myself. Who “forced” me into treatment and recovery or it would never have been possible for me to have the life I have today. Eating disorders are deadly, sadly it took not my own death scares but the deaths of enough close friends whom also struggled with eating disorders, as well as some who had finally found recovery, peace yet; their bodies gave out. Which is why not one more is far from just words or a nice idea to me: it’s crucial. Eating disorders do not have a one style cure. Sometimes having an outpatient team is enough sometimes an inpatient hospital treatment stay is necessary sometimes repeated stays. After treatment to sustain recovery one needs support, a team of a doctor therapist dietician psychiatrist. Oftentimes meal support, more appointments than what insurance will cover if they are even willing to cover it to begin with. I have seen what happens to close friends who live in rural areas unable to access care because no one trained in treating eating disorders lives near them. Sadly often leading to sever relapses due to lack of support nor lack of motivation. After spending most of my life in treatment I had “finally gotten out”, and I was determined to truly stay out not to avoid it rather to actually be able to experience life. It was during this time that most of my closest friends, friends who were family whom o couldn’t imagine a world without, some of the greatest human beings I have ever had the privilege and gift to have met and called friends passed away. It was just as COVID blew up in the world. I couldn’t go home airports were closed. I needed full support yet doctors were not taking on new patients and stay at home orders were mandated and necessary. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, on stressful times, when no one is around. It was at this time that I truly began to lean upon ANAD. A organization that I trusted, support groups had never “been my thing”. Yet I gave it a go after speaking with various staff. To be frank without those support groups I would have been back in a hospital in a week or two. Possibly hospice, for the first time I so badly wanted and was willing to do everything to make recovery happen and initially no matter what I did everything was falling apart. Until those support groups, they were free- which meant not only did I not have any financial problems but I was able to test it out; not feel as if it was all or nothing. Slowly those groups became a daily part of my schedule, O had a mentor, I was able to creat my own team, and build up a inner strength that I didn’t knew even existed. Everything that ANAD does needs money, having the highest caliber professional led groups for free. Again I can unequivocally state that it genuinely saved my life and is life saving. ANAD also offers financial aid for those who need money to get treatment, life saving necessary treatment that insurance doesn’t cover. For the second or third try’s because each time it’s different each individual is different and the process and road to recovery is completely different the only thing that doesn’t differ is the expense of treatment. Eating disorders do not discriminate between ages, gender, trace, religion, ethnicity, financial status. It is a disease just as any other and just like any other disease it needs the right treatment. Every single human being deserves a full shot at life not having the finances should never mean a person can’t get the medicine to save their life. Sadly that still is the case. I know finances are difficult everywhere, that money sufficient income and so much more is a large concern, understandably. I know that currently in the world there are so many pressing causes that truly need money as well. All I ask is that if you can however little it may be , please help. I don’t want to lose another friend who’s death could have been avoided. If money isn’t feasible I ask for you to pass this message along perhaps the next person can donate monetarily. I ask for you to step back and take “inventory “ of your loved ones, if someone is struggling with disorderd eating or a eating disorder step in; the sooner it’s caught the higher the chance of recovery. If you would like to learn more ANAD has so many wonderful resources available for free! Together let’s make NOT ONE MORE a reality, together it’s possible. thank you so very much for your valuable time and support. Sarah Greenberg