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In Daughter's Memory, Parents Promote Eating Disorder Awareness

Tom and Doris Smeltzer lost their 19-year-old daughter, Andrea, ten years ago after a yearlong battle with bulimia nervosa. The couple now travels the country speaking to students about the dangers of bulimia and other eating disorders.

On Nov. 3, the Smeltzers spoke at Cabrini College in Philadelphia. A Nov. 5 article by Michelle Costa of The Loquitur (the college's newspaper) provided the following information about the event and the effort to identify and assist college students who are struggling with eating disorders:
"Their mission is to promote awareness and understanding of eating disorders and related issues," Lisa Stockton, vice president of the Body Image Coalition said.

Doris Smeltzer authored a book called "Andrea's Voice...Silenced by Bulimia." The book includes Andrea's poetry, letters and journal entries.

"I think it is important for students to attend this presentation, because they need to be aware of the prevalence of eating disorders among college students," Stockton said.

Statistics show that there is a large growth of these developing diseases and if education is not provided, young people will continue to fall into the trap of these harmful cycles.

Stockton said college campuses are a breeding ground for disordered eating habits.

Labels: college_students, eating disorders, death

Posted By: Aspen/CRC