No More Stigma Around Eating Disorders

This is my dream - that one day people will freely talk about eating disorders as we NOW freely speak about breast cancer or autism.  There was a time (not very long ago) that people didn't say the words, "breast cancer" because it was embarrassing.  Parents were shamed for having a child with autism - so they hid it.  These families have broken the silence and we have all seen how powerful it has been. 

Every where we look we see pink as companies and organizations support the fight against breast cancer.  Big NFL players sporting pink towels, gloves, shoes, etc.  A bridge in Australia all lit up in pink.

It has been a long time coming and now, thanks to the F.E.A.S.T. organization, the families of those with eating disorders and the professionals who support us are coming out and speaking up!

I shared my thoughts on the F.E.A.S.T. Symposium website  http://www.feast-ed.org/Alexandria2011.aspx
 “For me this symposium is the historic moment in which the trumpets blare and the world gets to know more about these complex life threatening illnesses.  For years I have been looking forward to the moment when we as advocates can launch the awareness campaign that will make eating disorders a household word.  Families of those with breast cancer and autism for example, have done an impressive job of creating world wide awareness as well as raising funds for those illnesses. This time has come.  I hope you’ll join us and attend this historic event.”

My dream is coming true.  We are being given not only permission but it is being requested of us to speak up and speak out about these most deadly of all mental illnesses.


I'll be there and hope you will join us!  I will have the privilege of moderating a Q and A with Dr. James Lock of Stanford University.