Today is Colorado Gives Day so I thought I would fill you in on a non profit I’ve been working with recently.  The Denver-based Eating Recovery Foundation is a remarkable organization that is determined to tackle the increasing number of cases of eating disorders and help people return to good health.

Did you know that 30 million Americans have an eating disorder? Did you know that one in four college students have an eating disorder? This statistic is very frightening: eating disorders are the #1 killer among mental illnesses.

Eating Recovery Center treats men and women with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

The Eating Recovery Foundation supports the center in three ways.  It is all about educating people about eating disorders, promoting body acceptance and thereby preventing the onset of the illness.  Compared to other mental illnesses, eating disorders receive a very small amount of funding from the National Institutes of Health. So, the Eating Recovery Foundation funds its own research to find best possible treatments.  Right now, a lot of the research is geared toward adolescents and teens because 90% of those with an eating disorder are between 18 & 25 (however, eating disorders can & do start earlier in some children).  The Eating Recovery Foundation also supports those who are seeking care who run into financial challenges.  The Care Fund will bridge the financial gap so that someone can finish up treatment and be better positioned for full recovery.  I met a young woman who was so dynamic, hopeful and secure now that she has fully recovered from anorexia.  Nicole was such a delight to meet & so grateful for the Eating Recovery Foundation’s assistance.

I will share Nicole’s story in a few weeks.. as well as more on the education and research programs supported by the Eating Recovery Foundation.  Below is an excerpt from my interview with Dr. Ovidio Bermudez with Eating Recovery Center.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more or support the lifesaving work of the Eating Recovery Foundation: #COGivesDay