I am in Chicago for the annual NEDA conference, and am a little tipsy from the wine at the kick-off dinner as I write this. MONICA SELES IS HERE!!! I will try to be first in line for ‘breakfast with Monica’ tomorrow to buy her book about her experiences living with an eating disorder and to hear her speak. Perhaps I will bring her a copy of my Blog Entry (see http://paula-ponders.com/monica-seles-speaks-out-against-eds/ ) about her, as well as a tennis ball for her to sign (I happened to have one in my car – go figure!)
Aside from meeting tennis icons; the thing I love most about the NEDA conference is hearing people’s stories. Tonight I enjoyed a class of wine with a table of parents, and then went to dinner, where I sat with a group of dedicated young women who are all professionally involved in fighting eating disorders one way or another.
First were the moms… they break my heart. We shared our stories and our heartache. It’s a unique kind of suffering to watch your child self-destruct despite all your love and support. The moms (and dads) at THIS conference understand that all too well. I heard about: the 22 year old bi-polar and anorexic daughter who won’t take her meds or go to her counseling appointments; the insurance company who won’t pay for much-needed treatment; the child who committed suicide in the hospital while a nurse stepped away from her station. So very sad.
Often, parents feel a sense of isolation, guilt and shame; compounding their sense of helplessness and despair. We come together to console, commiserate and support. We understand and we care. It is not enough, but it is something.
Then… a walk down Wacker Avenue, past the Trump Tower (I will try to refrain from political commentary) to Chuck’s restaurant. I ended up at a table of young, attractive and vibrant women. One is an athletic director and coach in Portland Oregon – she strives to promote healthy body image among her student athletes–which can be challenging in a co-ed sport requiring swimsuits. She advises that one of the challenges with girl athletes is that they need ‘permission’ to be aggressive. The challenge with boys is that they need to manage their aggressive tendancies. Interesting.
Many of the young women work for non-profits: one manages an on-line community to support those suffering from eating disorders as a positive and constructive alternative to the disgusting ‘pro-ana’ sites on the web. A couple other women are lobbyists that promote legislation to support funding and coverage for mental health issues. Another is a program director for an eating disorder treatment center. Wow – that is a lot of inspiring commitment!
I hope they all vote.