Noah's Recovery: Help with Eating Disorder Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Noah Brown. I’m 24 years old, and I have a deep love for agricultural photography and capturing the beauty of the world around me. During the challenges I’ve faced, I’ve found comfort in creative expression and the hope of new beginnings. As I continue healing and working toward recovery, I’m using this time as an opportunity to pivot toward a new dream—pursuing radiological sciences in school.

I hope to not only rebuild my life but to give back to others after so many people have poured into my journey and supported me during some of my darkest moments. I’ve been blessed by the kindness and generosity of others, and I want to one day pay that forward in meaningful ways.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m determined to move forward with gratitude, hope, and a desire to make a difference. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my story and for being part of this chapter in my life.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do—both to write and to share.

For the past few years, I’ve been fighting a battle with anorexia nervosa, a serious mental and physical illness that has impacted every corner of my life. It’s something I kept private for a long time, but this past year, I realized I couldn’t face it alone. I decided to enter treatment, spending much of the year in and out of hospitals and facilities, working hard to reclaim my health and my life. Recovery has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it has also been the most necessary.

Anorexia is more than just an eating disorder—it’s a life-threatening disease. Research shows it has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition. It’s a fight that takes every ounce of strength, and recovery requires a team of support, therapy, and specialized care. I’m learning to accept that asking for help doesn’t make me weak—it makes me human.

I was recently discharged from treatment, and while I feel hopeful about the future, I’ve also been met with unexpected financial challenges. A medical bill of $5000, which my insurance did not cover, has caught my family and me off guard. My dad, a widowed father who has already done so much for me and my sister after losing my mom to COVID, has been trying his best to keep us afloat. He’s worked tirelessly to support me in this journey, but this bill has placed a heavy burden on us—especially during the holiday season.

This is where I’m asking for your help, as much as I wish I didn’t have to. I know times are tough for everyone, especially right now. I’m actively looking for a job as I transition out of treatment, but it will take time for me to regain stability.

If you feel moved to contribute, any amount would mean the world to me and my family. Your generosity would not only help cover this medical bill but would also give me a little more breathing room to focus on recovery. Any extra funds raised will be donated to eating disorder recovery organizations or used to help others in need during the holiday season.

I want to approach this with gratitude, self-compassion, and transparency. Recovery is not easy, but it’s possible, and it’s worth it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for being part of this journey with me.

Together, we can sow seeds of hope—for me and others walking similar paths.

With gratitude,

Noah Brown