I was diagnosed with an eating disorder in 2019. I remember telling myself when I started what was meant to be a "fitness journey" that I would never develop an eating disorder. I had seen how EDs impacted my sister and my parents when I was growing up, so I told myself that there was no way I would let that happen to myself. In addition to that, I was always a plus-sized kid and young adult. According to every doctor, gym teacher, and societal standard, it would actually do me a lot of good to lose a lot of weight. Why would I be concerned about what could happen from starting a diet and workout routine? 

Unfortunately, due to the combination societal and environmental factors, the pervasive fatphobia of our culture, the other mental health issues I experienced, and genetics, that promise I made to myself was broken. In October 2018 I started seeing a therapist and dietitian and would find myself in a formal treatment program by the spring. I was lucky enough to have access to care thanks to my university and my parents' health insurance, and I started my journey towards recovery.

Unfortunately, most individuals experiencing eating disorders will not have the experience that I did in accessing care. In fact, only about a third of individuals experiencing an eating disorder will get the care they deserve. That number becomes even smaller when we start considering factors such as identity and socio-economic status. T

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, the leading national nonprofit for eating disorders, has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to change these statistics. During the weekend of February 27 - March 1, 2026, I will be participating in The Alliance’s annual NOT ONE MORE Weekend. We are working to ensure that NOT ONE MORE life is lost, NOT ONE MORE child is taken, and NOT ONE MORE precious moment is destroyed by this insidious disease. All proceeds from the NOT ONE MORE Weekend will directly fund their free, weekly, therapist-led, virtual eating disorder support groups!

In 2025 alone, more than 33,184 individuals from all 50 states and 88 countries around the world attended Alliance groups. The Alliance is the only national nonprofit organization that provides free, weekly, therapist-led eating disorders support groups; free referrals for all levels of care through a therapist-staffed helpline and findEDhelp; and unique and empowering Southern Smash events. Simply put, The Alliance saves lives.

Please consider donating to my page so that I can help The Alliance continue to make a difference nationwide!