26 Birthdays

On January 21, 2009, my dear friend Sharon Mathiason’s daughter Jenn, celebrated her 26th birthday and her last birthday on earth. I didn’t have the honor of knowing Jenn while she was alive, but I have gotten to know her through her parents. She was a gifted artist with a gentle soul and a caring heart. She helped those struggling with an eating disorder know they were not alone. Jenn lives on in her parents, the lives she touched during her time on earth, and the lives she continues to touch through her legacy, Moonshadow’s Spirit. https://www.facebook.com/Moonshadows-Spirit-99993142646

On March 3rd my daughter will turn 26. During her 26 years, she has experienced more than one person should in a lifetime. My daughter is a warrior and survivor. She has fought battle after battle and continues to come out victorious. She fought a battle with an eating disorder for over 10 years and is thriving in recovery.

It’s eating disorder awareness week. On Sunday I was debating on what to post when my daughter walked into my room. I had just finished reading Sharon’s remembrance of the day Jenn died post on Facebook. Reading that Jenn is forever 26 stopped me and took my breath away. My daughter will see her 26th birthday because of the advocacy Sharon, and other moms like her, continue to do so NOT ONE MORE child dies as a direct result of an eating disorder. There is no one stronger than a parent who continues to fight the same demon that took their child so that other parents can celebrate birthdays with their child.

Today 28 people will die as a direct result of an eating disorder. 28 people will not celebrate another birthday. 28 mothers and fathers will bury their babies.

“One of my greatest fears is that the world will forget her. And I can’t let that happen. She shows up in the world through me. When I help another or act in love or choose kindness, I bring her humbly back into the world and remind others she lived, she died, and she matters. Still”. Dr. Joanne Cacciatore

One thing I can promise the parents of those who have lost children to this insidious disease - we will not forget your children and we will continue to fight in their honor until there is NOT ONE MORE.

Katie 17 Audrey 21 Rebekah 30 Shelby 20 Kristina 15 Tamika 22 Katie 43 Joe 26 Kate 36 Jenn M. 26 Heidi 30 Reanna 17 Leslie Katie 28 Erin 28 Emma 20 Kristin 14 Anna 21 Matt 24 Missy 39 Kelsey 23 Lacey 15 Charity 20 Kristin 14 Caitlin 21 Kat 15 Brandon 20 Katie 26 Sophie 19 Deena Katie 26 Jessica 19 Elle 15 Katie 28

Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide

9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

Less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight”

28-74% of risk for eating disorders is through genetic heritability.

Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose.

10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder—that’s one death every 52 minutes.

About 26% of people with eating disorders attempt suicide.

The economic cost of eating disorders is $64.7 billion every year

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available and full recovery is possible. Please reach out for help.https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/

©