Week 39 - National Eating Disorders Association

This week I've sponsored my friend Jane's daughter Sam who is completing a walk in Philadelphia to raise money for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) in the USA.  Sam and her friends are walking and raising money in memory of a friend who died from an eating disorder in 2012.  I have donated $7 which is roughly £5.

NEDA was formed in 2001 following the merger of two long-standing charities supporting people with eating disorders in the United States.  It is estimated that 30 million people in the US will suffer an eating disorder at some point in their lives and anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental illness.  NEDA provide a variety of programmes to support and help those with eating disorders and their families including:

• Telephone and online chat helplines.
• A database of treatment providers and support groups.
• Access to and advice for participating in research studies.
• Advice "tool kits" for families, teachers and sports coaches.
• Networks of support to help friends and families of those suffering from an eating disorder.
• Ongoing support for those recovering from an eating disorder.

Links

Sam Schultz's Fundraising Page
National Eating Disorders Association