Hello friends,

As some of you know, I've struggled with an eating disorder most of my life (20 years to be exact). There have been times of complete hell and being on the verge of death, and times of partial recovery, where I functioned more or less "normally". But never was there a time when the voice of the disorder wasn't lurking in my mind, or completely taking over it. In the past few years, as I've been dealing with other mental illness, it's been louder than ever, making me believe I was in control when everything else feels overwhelming and unbearable. But really it has had control over me.

I'm tired of living as a slave to this illness. I am exhausted. But the public ED clinic dismissed me, telling me they couldn't help me and that I may have to live with an eating disorder for the rest of my life. I don't believe this. I've been doing a lot of mental and emotional work to understand the underlying causes of the ED, and I believe I can beat this thing before it beats me, but I am scared that I can't do it alone. And the only therapy available to me at this point is private, which is expensive.

I found a coach/therapist who resonates with me and my belief of what full recovery means and that it's possible for everyone. I'm ready to jump in, and the only thing stopping me is the $5500 that a program with him is going to cost.

It's extremely vulnerable asking for help like this, but my financial situation doesn't allow me to shell out that much cash. So please, if you've got any extra to donate, or can share this with someone who might, you can help me snuff out that voice once and for all. Every little helps me toward freedom of mind and body.

With sincere gratitude,

Elena