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Voices Not Bodies

© Heather Mudgett.

I'd like to introduce you to an all volunteer organization, dedicated to eating disorder awareness and education, and make you aware of a Candlelight Vigil for Eating Disorders, being planned for Spring 2002.

The organization is called VOICES NOT BODIES.

Voices Not Bodies is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization dedicated to eating disorders awareness and prevention education. Members include former and current sufferers, family members, and friends. They are working with, and endorsed by, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) the oldest eating disorders organization in the United States.

Now, about that candlelight vigil:

WHAT: "Voices - Not Bodies" will be a rally and candlelight vigil for eating disorder awareness. Plans include an afternoon section with information tables and petitions. At the evening program, they hope to have several celebrity and non-celebrity speakers and some musical entertainment. Exact plans will depend on how much money they are able to raise. WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2002 4pm to 9pm

WHERE: The Ellipse of the National Mall, Washington, DC

WHY: Approximately 7 million women and 1 million men suffer from eating disorders in the United States. As many as 20% will die as a direct result, making these the deadliest of all mental illnesses. Treatment is expensive: $30,000 or more a month for inpatient hospital stays and $100,000 per year for outpatient. Insurance often refuses to give adequate coverage. Awareness and prevention of these disorders is vital or the numbers will continue to grow.

HOW: Voices Not Bodies is currently raising money to organize this event.

Please send all donations to: ANAD PO Box 7 Highland Park, IL 60035 Or call 847-831-3438 to make credit card donations. Please be sure to specify that you want your donation to go towards the vigil. Make checks payable to ANAD and write "vigil" on the memo line.