A British teenager who is attempting to raise money for her sister's care has opened up about the effect that eating disorders can have on the entire family.

In an article that appeared in the March 10 edition of the Free Press, Nicole Ball described how she was affected by watching her sister, Kristy, struggle: with anorexia and bulimia:
"It wasn't until I was 12 that I began to understand what her disorder involved.

"When Kirsty and I were alone together -- that's when I could see it happening. She would eat more than she should and then throw it up."

Although Nicole was too young to understand what was happening to Kirsty, she began to pick up on her habits.

Nicole said: "Because she didnt eat in front of people, I wouldnt eat in front of anybody except my family and I found it strange to eat for a while."

Kristy Ball, who suffers from brain damage as a result of a 2005 drug overdose, now resides in Llanhennock Lodge Cheshire Home, a comprehensive care facility.

Labels: siblings, family

Posted By: Aspen/CRC