Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

By: Denise Stewart

Orem, Utah, January 25, 2001- Nearly seven million women in the United States currently struggle with anorexia or bulimia. The goal of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is to raise awareness of this growing problem and to provide help to those who are struggling. Under the direction of EDAP, a national eating disorder organization, EDAW is coordinated by Center for Change, an inpatient facility that provides intensive treatment for women with anorexia and bulimia, and Foundation for Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating the devastating impact of eating disorders through research, preventative education and financial assistance to those seeking treatment.

The highlight of this week’s events will be the Second Annual Eating Disorders Awareness Week Benefit Dinner to be held at the Provo Marriott on Saturday, March 3, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. Jack Weyland, author of Ashley and Jen, a novel spotlighting a young woman’s battle with an eating disorder, will be the keynote speaker with a special guest appearance and performance by award-winning composer and musician Kurt Bestor. A silent auction will also accompany the night’s events. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased by calling (801) 224-8255.

A free online screening will be available throughout the week at www.centerforchange.com/edaw to those who may be at risk for developing an eating disorder. A balloon release will kick off the week on Monday, Feb. 26, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. We encourage everyone to release a purple balloon during this time to show their support for this important cause. “Exquisite Pain–Exquisite Joy”, an art show featuring works of art by women recovering from anorexia and bulimia will be featured in the center court of the Provo Towne Centre from Feb. 26- Mar. 3. In addition to college awareness fairs, eating disorder professionals will be speaking during the week at local college campuses. BYU Women’s Basketball will be sponsoring a benefit game on Thursday, Mar. 1, 2001 with half of all proceeds supporting Foundation for Change. UVSC will also feature awareness activities during its men’s basketball game on Saturday, Mar. 3, 2001. A complete calendar of events is listed on www.centerforchange.com.