Eating Recovery Center hosted an event in New York City to bring awareness to the dangers of eating disorders.
This month, Eating Recovery Center (ERC) hosted the first-ever “Eating Recovery Day” to discuss the pervasive nature of eating disorders and to inspire hope for recovery for those who are suffering. In attendance, aside from ERC leading experts and influencers, were former ERC patients (known as ERC alumni) and celebrity guest Candace Cameron Bure, who shared stories of their personal struggles with eating disorders and how recovery changed their lives for the better.
Bure, who has been transparent about her eating disorder in recent years, discussed her fight with bulimia hoping to inspire other people struggling with this sickness. Bure expressed her faith in the beneficial effects of speaking up about the disorder and the positive results of seeking help, “To bring lasting change, I hope we can not only celebrate stories of recovery, but also shed light on the myths and begin to remove any stigma that stands in the way of those who need it from getting help. I found strength and my path to recovery through my faith. But everyone’s journey is unique and for those who need help, I encourage them to visit Eating Recovery Center.”
Aside from Candace Cameron Bure, some former patients shared the stories of their recovery. Eric Dorsa, currently a Recovery Ambassador said “The biggest obstacle for me was finding clinicians and treatment centers that would actually treat a male with an eating disorder. I was first diagnosed with anorexia at age 12 – eating disorders were not about food, especially for me. It was about identity. And now, it’s an everyday choice to enter with grace into recovery,” highlighting how important access to help centers is for people suffering from eating disorders.
Eating disorders have a wide-reaching impact, threatening a person’s health, well-being, joy, confidence and overall life, as well as their families and friends; at least 30 million Americans suffer and up to one person an hour dies from the disease. With the launch of Eating Recovery Day, ERC’s goal is to encourage people around the country to start conversations about eating disorders and available treatment options to empower patients and their families to take the first step toward overcoming the illness and truly recovering their lives.