Yesterday went over and above our expectations.

Our family and staff at the Wellesley Home Hardware Building Centre worked all week to prepare for an event that tied together our Fifth Anniversary at our new location and an event to create awareness about Eating Disorders.

We knew that Nedic (National Eating Disorder Information Clinic) would be there with information as well as some local families that have girls in Avalon Hills to be faces behind the disease for the many people that came to support us. We also had rumour that Elizabeth Witmer, MPP was going to come hear our story and present our story and other’s stories to those who can make a difference.

What we didn’t know was that the local media and CTV was going to show up to raise awareness. And that the story is the second in news.

The interview can be viewed here

We were so honored to have Shannon and Dawson stop by to meet us and give us hope that recovery is possible.

One thing we have decided is that even if Jolene would never see recovery, we want to do every thing we can to prevent the disease or ensure recovery for other individuals struggling with an eating disorder.

Looking a bit stiff....

We shared our story alongside other families who had daughters with eating disorders to Elizabeth Witmer

Elizabeth being interviewed by CTV

A father/daughter briefing

I am so excited for what this event means to our family and community. We are taking steps in the right direction to establish In Province Treatment for young people with eating disorders. We listened to many heart breaking stories yesterday and we pray that we can put a stop to the difficult situations created with out of country treatment.

Thank you to every one who showed up to support our family, our event and Jolene. And thank you for everyone who donated their time, their money and their resources to make it possible.

We are so grateful.

Jolene called today at noon and our family told her all about the event. Jolene had written a letter to be read as a plea to establish in country treatment which Elizabeth Warren asked to have a copy of to share in her work. Jolene is not doing well right now; she is still on couch rest a month into the program (meaning no activity as a result of not eating her food. She literally goes from the couch, to the table to her bed.) Please keep her in mind as it is not easy.

Despite that, so much good came from yesterday. I was asked to speak at an event hosted by Grand River Hospital during Eating Disorder Awareness Week in February as a recovered anorexic to give hope and answer questions of those who are battling the disease. I am so excited to see where it will go from here.