Readers of this blog know that I coordinate an annual NEDA Walk in my hometown of Madison, WI to raise funds and awareness in the fight against eating disorders. As such– I am the contact person listed on the website.

Recently I receive an email that stopped me in my tracks — it was from a relative of a young woman from our community that recently passed away from complications of her eating disorder–after struggling for many years.  The relative requested materials about our walk to solicit donations in memory of their loved one.

When I received the email I was at an outdoor music festival, surrounded by music and the hum of a very vibrant crowd–including many friends.  It was  surreal–I sadly reflected on this  woman’s tragic passing, while simultaneously being bombarded by the sights and sounds of a lively festival.

After a follow-up phone call to the relative to offer condolences and to arrange a meeting–I wandered the festival in a bit of a daze.   I was (and am) awed by the family’s courage to use their personal tragedy to help others, while feeling an obligation (and privilege) to make this walk a special and meaningful event.

This loss has served to underscore the high stakes of the fight against eating disorders:  what we do is important, and our walk does make a difference — to this young woman’s family as well as the hundreds, if not thousands, of other sufferers and their family’s in our community.  We are providing an important rallying point to demonstrate support and compassion; advocacy and awareness at a time that our community is reeling from this recent loss.

I watch contributions to the walk increase with mixed emotions–knowing that the current uptick is driven by loss.  Yet, what better way to honor her memory?

We will be incorporating a moment of silence for three young women who lost their battles during our walk.  It will be somber, it will be sad.  These losses remind us that the stakes are high.

The war against eating disorders needs warriors of all types.  I fight with a blog and a clipboard (with a large dose of tenacity thrown in for good measure).   Others fight by providing treatment to individuals and their families; or through lobbying, or through research, or through writing, or by sharing their recovery stories, or through organizations such as NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association.   Others fight by donating to events, such as our walk.

I understand there are many good causes ‘out there’.  People tend to participate and get involved in causes that are close to their own hearts.  Dear reader – I hope you have a cause that you are passionate about, something that is bigger than yourself.  Giving of ourselves keeps us human, keeps us humble and enriches our souls.

 

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