KMB’s 4th Newsletter - Spring 2015

In the KMB Spring Newsletter:

YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE LOVED

KMB’s Statement of Purpose Our purpose of this foundation is to expand awareness, knowledge, understanding, support, and options for individuals who struggle with anorexia. This is a devastating disorder that shatters the individual’s life. Some will struggle for years, others will lose their battle; leaving loved ones to wonder “why.”

Our goal is to provide linkages for anyone touched by this disease to help find support, treatment, understanding, and options to deal with this devastating illness.

All donations will be used to help anyone impacted by an eating disorder. Our family, friends and loved ones are all struggling with questions and are passionate about helping others.

1. An eating disorder’s “all about control”—FALSE! Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, MA, LMFT, LPCC, CEDS

2. Journal article review of ‘Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Intervention in the Treatment of Eating Disorders’ reviewed by Emily Cope, MS, RDN

3. Running Without ED Julie Carr, BS

4. After Discharge Susan Liniewski, CPC ELI-MP

5. EDC Spring Lobby Day 2015 – Reflections from Team Pennsylvania Nikki Bromberg, Tamie Gangloff, Katherine H

6. Reflections on EDC Spring Lobby Day 2015 Ellen Bennett Valley School Dance Scholarship Ellen & Megan Bennett

7. Anna Westin Act

8. Orange Pulse Tribute for KMB for Answers 2014 Shelley Lender

9. The Release of “TuTu Thin” A Guide to Dancing without an Eating Disorder By Dawn Theodore-Smith, M.A., MFT, CEDS Forward by Carolyn Costin, M.A., M.ED, MFT

Special Announcements! We have updated our website with more information about who we are, what we are doing, resources and how we can help you!

Please take a moment to check it out and pass it along!

Thank you – The KMB for Answers Team

http://kmbforanswers.org/

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.1

I often hear psychology students, eating disorder sufferers, and even some treating professionals generalize that eating disorders are “all about control.” With all respect and sincerity, I object! Control can weave into the eating disorder’s functions for a person, but so much of the time it is not the exclusive (or even main) culprit.

First of all, why and how someone gets an eating disorder is still not completely known. Current research strongly points to biological vulnerabilities (e.g., genes) that get triggered by various factors. However, there is no conclusive answer yet as to which–or what combination of–factors sprout the eating disorder.

So let’s examine the myth of control as the driving force behind eating disorders…

For a sufferer, admittedly, the subjective experience of an eating disorder can feel like it is helping the person to have control (e.g., providing rigid rules and order), even while it may be harming the person’s physical body and thinking-mind. However, if we are critically looking at a person’s desire to feel in control, do the many common consequences of eating disorders align with this? For example, does uncontrollable obsessional thinking, fear of food (which we need to survive), inability to consume appropriate fuel, unexpected bingeing, confusion, tiredness, moodiness, medical problems (anemia, heart palpitations, electrolyte imbalance, dizziness, etc.) or even death align with a desire for feeling in control? No. Not so much.

Referring to the above, I acknowledge that a common experience of having an eating disorder is the denial of the seriousness of the eating disorder’s consequences. And, yes, eating

disorder behaviors need to change in order to get on path to physical and psychological healing. But, we aren’t discussing those here. We are exclusively looking at the perpetuated myth that “eating disorders are about control.”

In my opinion, when a person is overeating, purging, or restricting, those actions and accompanying beliefs often become attempts to fill a variety of needs for the sufferer. In her book, Your Dieting Daughter: Is She Dying for Attention?, expert Carolyn Costin names various ways that food and weight can be attempts at solving deeper issues—For example, filling what feels empty (literally with food or emptiness); belief in a myth, (e.g., “I’ll become happy when I lose X pounds”); desire to be special and unique (e.g., receiving “How do you not eat that? You have such willpower. I admire you”-type admiration); doesn’t have coping skills (food-rules and food can feel like they take care of a lack of coping skills); and many more. In her article, 3 Ways to Stop Over-eating, Dr. Nina Savelle-Rocklin highlights the following: “Overeating is often a way of coping with difficult situations, emotions, and conflicts. It is a ‘symptom’ of the problem, not the real problem (though it sure feels like ‘the’ problem).” See how none of these boil down to control as the base?

A colleague and I discussed the subject of control in relationship to specifically anorexia nervosa. She reminded me of Dr. Cynthia Bulik’s article, “Negative Energy Balance: A Biological Trap for People Prone to Anorexia Nervosa.” For a person whose body actually feels calmer when restricting food–which happens—that person’s attempt to control their internal state may help pave the path to anorexia nervosa.

But this originates from a biological response. So even here, control is not the underlying drive–biology is.

Each sufferer has his or her unique formula for his or her eating disorder’s development and persistence. Control may be a supporting factor, but it is often a part of a complex whole.

As a caretaker, treatment professional, or part of the community that cares about the sufferer, curiosity can be part of the remedy. Overgeneralizations or conclusions about control don’t generally serve the person who has the unnatural relationship with food. In fact, thinking that an eating disorder is mainly about control can cause a person to ingest yet another negative self-trait: “So, I can’t even eat like normal people do, and now I’m a controlling person.”

Please… Let’s stop the myth. A person who is struggling with an eating disorder or a non-intuitive relationship with food intake often already believes a lot of negative things about him/herself. Let’s not offer further insult by oversimplifying things. Eating disorders and disordered eating are not simple struggles.

An eating disorder’s “all about control”—FALSE! Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, M.A., LMFT, LPCC, CEDS

**Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, M.A., LMFT, LPCC, CEDS, has a private practice in Los Angeles, enjoys presenting workshops on eating disorders, and is the creator of #ShakeIt for Self-Acceptance!™, a flash mob for self-acceptance.

You can learn more about Alli at: www.TherapyHelps.Us

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.2

Journal Article Review of: Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Intervention in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

The treatment and care for an individual with an eating disorder (ED) requires a multifactorial, interdisciplinary team approach: family & friend support combined with the education and experience of healthcare professionals. Each individual plays a very specific role in their ability to provide treatment for their patient or loved one. This article examines the role of a registered dietitian nutritionist and their part as an important constituent of a treatment team.

POSITION STATEMENT

“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that nutrition intervention, including nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian, is an essential component of the team treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders during assessment and treatment across the continuum of care.”

After a review of the diagnostic criteria for ED, this article delves into the roles and responsibilities of registered dietitians and the part they play in clinical care practice settings. The American Psychological Association, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and the American Academy of Pediatrics support the registered dietitian’s role in working amongst an interdisciplinary team of professionals to perform a nutrition assessment and ultimately apply the Nutrition

Care Process to help determine an appropriate treatment plan.

This journal article provides two large, informative charts for the reader to review: A Comparison of Proposed Revisions in Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders & The Roles and Responsibilities of Registered Dietitians Caring for Individuals with Eating Disorders.

Ultimately, this article reviews appropriate types of therapy that can be provided to patients with ED. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is discussed as involving cognitive restructuring – a change in thought patterns surrounding ones relationship with food, eating patterns, physical symptoms, perceptions and interpretations. The article further describes how CBT is more effective in the treatment of certain aspects of ED, specifically not for those with anorexia nervosa. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is also discussed and includes the teaching of new coping skills and behaviors. The article further describes additional forms of psychotherapy for adults as well as alternative forms of therapy.

In conclusion the article wraps up with a discussion on “ongoing efforts aim to identify evidenced based therapies to improve treatment outcomes related to EDs and effective primary and secondary interventions.” In order to provide the best care possible registered dietitians must provide collaboration and communication among an interdisciplinary health care team and bring with them advanced training, communication skills, and a complex understanding of eating behaviors.

If you would like to read this journal article please visit:

http://www.eatrightpro.org/~/media/eatrightpro%20files/practice/position%20and%20practice%20papers/position%20papers/position_paper_nutrition_intervention.ashx

Journal Article Review Reviewed By Emily Cope, MS, RDN

Emily Cope, MS, RDN is a New York based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is the business owner and consulting dietitian of RDN Mommy - Nutrition Services. Emily provides health and wellness nutrition counseling through her private practice website: www.RDNmommy.com.

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.3

My experience with an eating disorder will be different from any other person who shares their story. There is no set point, event, or physical trauma that caused me to develop an eating disorder. It was no person’s fault, and I’ve learned it was not mine either. Eating disorders, depression, anxiety are all mental illnesses, and are not chosen by the individual suffering. Although these illnesses have made me and many others feel as if their lives were out of control, in reality, one can gain control back from their eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. The media, sports, dance, my parents’ divorce, losing friends, trying to figure out who I am, my siblings’ troubles, my picky eating, and many other factors have all contributed in one way or another to my eating disorder. Although I cannot pinpoint the exact date or time when my eating disorder began, I can tell you about some of my internal struggles, which my family did not even know about.

As a child, I was always small and short and I got attention for my appearance. A part of me hated the attention because it made me think of how I was not small enough and how someone was always smaller. From a young age, I was self-conscious of my body. I never voiced this because I was too shy. I was a happy kid, and I loved life and my family and friends. I grew up in a loving and caring family who spent much time together. Despite this, I was a very shy and timid kid in school. I was smart, and did all my work, and learned the material, but didn’t talk very much. I also was never happy with myself, or my work; I felt like I could have and should have been better. This is the perfectionism that I still struggle with to this day. My perfectionism took the form of “all or nothing” thinking. This developed all throughout my elementary and middle school years, and continued to take the form of depression, anxiety and an eating disorder in which I used food to cope with stressors in my high school years.

As an athlete and a young woman growing up in today’s appearance-obsessed culture, I was constantly comparing myself to others and obsessing about how my body looked. This was a way to distract myself from the confusing pain I felt growing up and trying to figure out what made me; me. All while having so many factors being thrown at me. My picky eating turned into vegetarianism, and I slowly cut other foods from my diet. I damaged and abused my body as a way to punish, and distract myself from my depression and anxiety. It took the form of needing to lose weight, needing to be perfect, and beating myself up for everything I did “wrong”. My eating disorder served an important purpose in my life; a coping mechanism. This was a very unhealthy coping mechanism.

My journey to recovery began with telling my best friend that I thought I had an eating disorder and that I needed help. Before this, I had lost many of my friends due to my sole focus on food and isolation. I was very lucky to have a supportive friend. With her help, I was able to tell my mom that I wanted to see a therapist. Prior to this, my mother had mentioned that I should see a therapist because I wouldn’t talk to her, or anyone else. This was in October of 2009. I was very stressed at this time because of college applications and other stressors in my senior year of high school. I went to see a therapist for six weeks. This was the first time I had ever talked about my eating disorder and my fears and internal struggles. I hated seeing a therapist because I had to talk about myself, and I didn’t like talking about emotions in general because it made me feel vulnerable. In order to protect myself, and my eating disorder, I stopped going. I was convinced I could recover on my own and that I didn’t need help. At the time I thought this was the best decision because I didn’t feel like therapy was even helping, it only made me feel worse about myself. I wasn’t totally open and honest because I didn’t know how to be; I was still in the depths of my eating disorder, used to hiding and pretending everything was okay. I continued a life full of constant stress from swimming, academics, work, and home life. I lost all sense of hope for myself and completely over worked my mind and body by holding all the internal struggles in. I finally had a breaking point in December 2009. It happened at a swim meet when I had not done my best in a race. That was the last straw. I had overworked myself filling out numerous college applications while still achieving straight A’s in school. I started to cry and have an anxiety attack in the locker room; my former teammate was the only person who could calm me down. That teammate truly saved my life that night, I was over worked, over whelmed and just couldn’t take anything more. But she told me that it was going to be okay, and stayed with me until I felt better.

In June of 2010, I decided it was time to officially tell my mom about my eating disorder and ask for more help. I had researched The Renfrew Center, and I talked to my mom about seeking more treatment, and she helped me set up an assessment appointment. The assessment is still a blur, but it ended up with me getting blood work, an EKG, and contacting my primary care physician so that I could go and pack for residential treatment. I chose to go to treatment against everything my eating disorder was telling me. I had already bought everything for college and was ready to leave for my freshman year, but I knew in the back of my mind that I was not

ready, and that I couldn’t survive college with an eating disorder. So I chose treatment over school. It was the hardest decision I have ever made, but the most rewarding.

I have been symptom free for about three years now. I decided, in January 2012, to finally go away to college and pursue my dream. After completing my first semester, I was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Penn College! I have just graduated and am incredible grateful! It is very challenging, but without ED,I can do anything! I have also started running without ED again and it feels amazing!

This long, and emotionally painful, but very rewarding experience has given me my life back. I am no longer just surviving; I am actually living a life. I am finally in the process of achieving my dream of receiving a college degree. The most important things that have come out of treatment are more self-awareness, new coping skills, and the drive I have to accomplish my goals. My eating disorder got in the way of attending college the first time, and I will NEVER let that happen again. With all the professional help, and support I received, I can say this with confidence. Recovering from an eating disorder will be the hardest thing I ever have to do. I might have lapses and I will make mistakes. Most importantly, I will learn from each difficult experience and be able to cope with it, and come out stronger in the end. I’m working on building my strength emotionally, physically, and spiritually. From the greatest pains, come the greatest strengths.

While I was in residential treatment I discussed, with a fellow patient, that I wish I could just run and swim without ED. I wanted to be able to exercise without a negative and disordered mindset. In the Fall of 2013, I created the Penn College chapter of Running Without ED. This is a group that meets to discuss positivity and healthy exercise including yoga, walking and running. I hope to be able to raise funds for treatment scholarships.

Running Without ED is about doing what you love without your eating disorder or negative thoughts stopping you. It’s about eating dessert with the ones you love without worrying and without ED. It’s about chasing your dreams and working hard to be everything that you strive to be without ED. It’s about living your life without ED!

Running Without ED Julie Carr, BS

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.4

My story is like many other stories of struggling with an eating disorder, but yet different. You see, eating disorders do not discriminate. They don’t care if you male or female, young or old, rich or poor. They don’t care about your race or your life style. Eating disorders want to do only one thing…destroy you.

My story begins with growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. I was a teen when the ideal for perfection was “You could never be too rich or too thin.” Well I certainly wasn’t rich or too thin. I was average in looks and size. The role model back in the day was none other than a waifish British model, Twiggy. With huge eyes a cute pixie haircut and mostly emancipated, she was the “perfect” representation of the era.

Gone were the curvy ideals such as Marilyn Monroe, Sofia Loren and Bridgette Bardot. So naturally that’s what I strived for and never accomplished. Fast forward several years, I was married with a child. Soon issues began to arise. I wasn’t happy with how I looked, I felt stagnant and my husband didn’t seem overly interested in our relationship.

Not until a major crisis in my life did I start the downward spiral into the hell that is anorexia. My mother had been obese most of her life along with other medical issues such as asthma and allergies. But sometime around her late 40’s she began getting heavier and sicker. She developed diabetes and congestive heart failure along with circulation issues. At the age of sixty-seven she succumbed to these medical issues that were not addressed. She passed away in her sleep almost fifteen years ago. Did I know that this was the beginning of my eating disorder? I was acutely aware that I did not want to end up in a similar situation. So with the help of my doctor I began a “healthy” diet. I was 46 years old.

Things started out well; I became more active and began to eat more healthy foods. At first things went slow and I became more intensely engaged with my efforts to lose weight. After some time, I became entangled in the eating disorder. I began to cut out whole foods groups and denied myself any pleasure from eating.

I had multiple hospitalizations followed by little or no success; I grew deeper and more entrenched in anorexia and self- hatred. I started to engage in self-harm on a daily basis. While in treatment, I was the model patient that ate her meals,

drank her ensure, all the while planning for my return to anorexia once I was discharged. Once I was discharged, exercise and eliminating whole food groups became the new normal. I missed so many family events, holidays and even time with my grandson because I wouldn’t stop exercising compulsively. If I didn’t log in xx amount of hours of strenuous exercise, I felt like a failure.

I went to a regular appointment with my psychiatrist and she said, “Susan, I have no other option than to admit you to a nursing home”. At 57, I was going to live my life out in a nursing home. Something happened inside me that day that was to change my life forever. I got scared, stomach turning, chills from head down to my toes scared. No. I heard myself say! No! Somewhere deep inside, there was this new and very unfamiliar feeling rising up my backbone. Anger! Also unfamiliar was another feeling, determination and fight. I wanted to fight this monster anorexia. Fight it with every fiber in me. I went home and made all the necessary calls and, in one week, was on my way to what would become my last and successful treatment. I went far away, had no visitors and worked my butt off. I crammed three months of intense treatment work into one month because my insurance company would not cover any more treatment. I never worked so hard for anything as I did for recovery. I did this for myself and no one else. I learned to function beyond treatment. I didn’t just survive, I thrived!

I went back to school at the age of 58 and earned my Certified Professional Coaching credentials. I also earned my Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner credentials. I finished first in my class ahead of much younger students. And unlike many, I knew exactly what I wanted as my niche.

I chose to coach people who were in recovery from their eating disorders. So many women and men have issues with maintaining their recovery after treatment. But why is it so difficult to

maintain recovery? Many things can affect recovery such as being non-committal to responsibilities such as appointments made and kept, family involvement and accountability.

What hindered my recovery attempts in the past? Although I kept all of my appointments, did all my homework and thought I was doing well, I would fall apart after a short time. What was the number one reason? Accountability or the lack of. I really didn’t have the accountability I needed to stay in recovery. I needed one other treatment team member, someone who would be there for me and in my corner. A person who could empower me to want to find the answers and to set the goals and who had walked in my shoes and who would partner with me to help me find my authentic self. To help me find my “who.” A cheerleader who would cheer me on, but hold me entirely accountable.

This is what Wings EverStrong Coaching and Aftercare is all about. I also provide coaching for families and loved ones. So many times, families fear that they are to blame for their loved ones eating disorders. Well you are not! Nor are you responsible for relapses, slips or re treatments. I partner with families and empower them to reclaim their lives. It is very difficult to support when you need support too. Statistics show that with coaching in conjunction with a complete treatment team, the chances of relapse is lowered.

For more information on Wings EverStrong Coaching and Aftercare, go to wingsof.com to learn more.

After Discharge, What next? Susan M Liniewski CPC ELI-MP

Susan M Liniewski CPC ELI-MP

Owner and Founder Wings EverStrong Coaching.

630-243-0429

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.5

For 13 years of my life I lived in the darkest solitude, kept company by only my eating disorder. Like so many individuals who bravely battle eating disorders, I came to believe that my disease selflessly protected me and was the only relationship worth fostering. Slowly, primarily due to my hidden reservoir of inner strength and the support of my family, I found my way to a place of recovery. It is an active fight every single day but I am learning just how worth it staying in that fight is. I still struggle disclosing anything that is related to my battle with an eating disorder because off the shame I so deeply associate with it. On May 13th however, I was gifted with the chance and the encouragement to finally share a piece of my story.

When I arrived in Washington, D.C. for Lobby Day, I was filled with fear. I had no idea what the day would consist of and I was petrified to speak my truth amongst a group of strangers. As a girl who lived in such solitude for many years, I was so genuinely taken with the level of supportive energy in the room. A contingency of 100 people united for the mutual cause of gaining governmental support for the Anna Westin Act on the federal level. People were there for so many different personal reasons. Many had suffered from eating disorders themselves, while others were there to raise their voices on behalf of friends, loved ones, and clients who continue to battle their diseases, as well as for those who have lost their lives as a direct result of an eating disorder. Personally, I was there to speak on behalf of those who have been silenced by their diseases and by a system that makes it terribly challenging for them to get the help they so desperately need. The stories created a fabric with threads of sadness, loss, hope, and a strength. There was a palpable sense of determination amongst the crowd to fight tirelessly for legislation that not only attempts to shift the social perception of eating disorders but that also supports the implementation of education, research, and preventative measures in various environments. I marveled at how persistent the Eating Disorders Coalition has been in pushing for legislative inclusion of eating disorders into existing and future

bills. They have fought for so long in what seems like an uphill battle, never losing sight of their mission.

The process of making legislative change is by no means simple. It is a complex and often frustrating process that requires patience, commitment, and compromise. It astounded me that many of my fellow lobbyists have been working for change over such an expansive length of time, celebrating tiny wins and allowing the losses to be a source of motivation. As a current Master of Social Work student, we focus heavily on legislation and policy change on the local, state, and federal levels. It felt remarkable to see the concepts I have read in textbooks come to life. However, it was the people I had the honor of lobbying with that made the experience truly remarkable. Each and every one of them bravely shared their stories and were so supportive of one another. Though our journeys have been different, the similar core of our struggles seemed to create an instantaneous bond. It was also such a powerful experience to have congressional staffers lend us a bit of their time and give validation to our words. In these moments, the once silenced girl was no longer alone and no longer afraid of sharing. I hope to continually remind myself of how liberating it felt to be so real, so honest, so true.

My lobbying experience is one that I

will take with me and use as inspiration to strengthen my recovery and offer that strength to others. It is my great hope that as time marches onward, we move closer and closer to obtaining governmental support and bill inclusion of eating disorders. If this path continues to be followed in the coming years, one can almost envision that seemingly elusive light at the end of the tunnel. It is a light that brings hope to those who are troubled by the wrath of an eating disorder. This light helps to guide our way as we fight to make treatment opportunities more financially accessible to the masses while successfully giving us hope that recovery is possible. Tomorrow holds the promise of a brighter future and offers us a glimpse of what the world looks like outside of an eating disorders painful bondage. This future is

filled with peace, self-love, and endless hope that we as a unified community can and will survive to see a new sun rise! - Nikki Bromberg

As I reflect on Lobby day, I feel humbled, honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to advocate for important legislation that can change the way we educate professionals about eating disorders, treatment and truth in advertising. Lobby day included a morning briefing about the Anna Westin Act, how to tell your story and how to speak to the representatives. Then, we were off to lobby with different staffers (representatives for the senators and congressmen). Each staffer was interested and engaged in our experience as parents, recovered women and eating disorder professionals. I am incredibly grateful for our PA/WA team and for making new friends that are here to fight this fight together! Thank you Eating Disorders Coalition and the amazing board members for all you do and for making this possible. – Tamie Gangloff, MA

I had a really meaningful experience--in part because of my PA/WA cohort members who were an inspiration. It was particularly empowering to get to meet other people who had been through their own battles and experiences with eating disorders, medical systems, insurance companies, schools and counselors. Getting to know about the Anna Westin Act and meet, and lobby with, Kitty Westin was really moving. The staffers were almost universally receptive. I’m so excited to have been part of what may lead to them co-sponsoring or voting for this bill! I am looking forward to going back in future years with my PA/WA cohort! – Katherine H.

EDC Spring Lobby Day 2015 – Reflections from Team Pennsylvania Nikki Bromberg, Tamie Gangloff, Katherine H

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.6

Lobby Day, in Washington, DC was an amazing, empowering experience; lobbying for a cause we are passionate about. We joined people from all over the U.S., representing FL, MA, NY, ND, WA, NJ, TX and PA. Our schedule included meetings with our representatives from New York State: Tonka, Gillibrand, Schumer, and Collings. Our purpose was to advocate for the Anna Westin Act of 2015; key elements are the 3 ‘T’s – Treatment, Training, and Truth in Advertising. The Anna Westin Act will mandate and clarify parity on a federal level and utilizes an appropriated fund which is very appealing on a bi-partisan basis.

Our working lunch included a congressional briefing with Congressman Ted Deutch [D-FL] and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL] who both received awards for their continuous support and backing of ED legislative initiatives.

We were a great team of 8, led by a team leader who guided us when meeting the representatives with a clear, concise and powerful message. Our group included eating disorder survivors, people in recovery, a lawyer, and therapist - all with different experiences but a common goal - mandated support for individuals with eating disorders.

Reflections on EDC Spring Lobby Day 2015 Ellen Bennett

Susan M Liniewski CPC ELI-MP

Owner and Founder Wings EverStrong Coaching.

630-243-0429

The 2015 KMB Dance Scholarship for Valley School of Dance was presented to Madison Simpson on Friday, May 8th at the annual dance recital. Brandi Wilkins and Becca Benham presented the award; both danced with Katie when they were all in high school.

This dance scholarship is given in memory of Katie Bennett, who loved to dance - it inspired and grounded her, brought her joy and serenity. Katie lost her battle with anorexia in June of 2013. Valley School of Dance ignited her passion for dance; tap, jazz, modern, ballet, hip-hop. For the love of dance! Pursue your dreams and dance with joy in your heart. Best Wishes and Congratulations!

Ellen & Megan BennettKMB for Answers, Inc.

Valley School Dance Scholarship Ellen & Megan Bennett

‘Professor Jeff Rubin introduces iSchool senior Hailey Temple as the winner of the Katie Bennett Undergraduate Leadership Award for 2015’

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.7

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.8

Good evening Syracuse University, dancers, friends and family. This evening we get to enjoy what used to be one of my favorite nights when I was a student here. Orange Pulse Dance Troupe never ceases to amaze their audience with their fun, elaborate and spunky choreography. I was not a part of Orange Pulse; however I would come every year to support my friends and sorority sisters that participated in this great organization. This night truly showcases and celebrates one’s talent and willingness to participate in something that makes them happy and puts all of their hard work to good use. This is Orange Pulse’s 11th Annual Charity Showcase, and when I was told that all proceeds would be going to KMB for Answers I was so grateful, and when I was asked to speak on behalf of KMB for Answers I was honored.

KMB for Answers is a foundation that was created after my best friends and sorority sister, Katie Bennett, lost her life to Anorexia. “The purpose of this foundation is to expand awareness, knowledge, understanding, support, and options for women who struggle with anorexia.” For anyone that knew Katie during her time here at Syracuse, struggle didn’t seem possible for her. She exceeded in everything that she did, and was an immaculate student. My sorority sisters and I would hear about Katie’s daily schedule consisting of classes, work, dance practice, honors fraternities, her involvement in Alpha Chi Omega, as well as participation in various school organizations and we never knew how she did it all. No matter what, Katie always made time for the things that meant most to her, and to this day Katie’s happiness and the support she had in everything she did is what I believe allowed her not to struggle during her time at school.

Not everyone with this tragic disease is as lucky to have the life that Katie lived. For many boys, girls, men and women struggling with Anorexia, the struggle is blatant and real on a daily basis. The most important thing that you can do if you know anyone with an eating disorder is to tell them that you are there for them. Let them know that they have people who care about them and want them to get better. Secondly, go with them to get the help they need. They may refuse, as they may not think they have a problem, but if you in your heart know someone who needs help, do everything you can to help them get it! Katie touched so many people’s lives during her time at Syracuse, and almost every single one of them, didn’t know she ever struggled with an eating disorder. To be honest, it wasn’t obvious at all. In the 4

years that I was with Katie in school I would have never known that she ever had an eating disorder had she not told me. I will never forget the conversation, because it was something we were both able to relate to.

Going through middle school and high school was challenging for both Katie and I, as I am sure many people in this room can agree with. People of our generation are exceptionally harsh and critical about one’s physical appearance and there are some people who have no problem bringing someone down with their words. It is important to always remember to never let anyone bring you down. Words are words, they can’t stop you from thinking that you’re beautiful and they will never be able to take away the people that love you. “Be strong and don’t let anyone EVER make you feel bad about yourself,” are words that came out of my Mom’s mouth all too often growing up, but I am thankful every day for the support I had. Katie had friends and family that will never stop loving her and unfortunately this disease took her from us much too soon but her legacy will continue to live on at Syracuse University and through KMB for Answers, where Katie can continue to help people like she helped me.

Katie was my best friend, my rock, my support system, my study buddy and my other half during my time at Syracuse. To this day I only wish that I could have been there more post college. The year after college is when your life changes drastically from what you were used to for the last 4 years. We get jobs, we move away and we start our lives as adults. Post College, Katie continued on to her Masters while many of her friends, sisters and I moved away and got our first jobs. Although we didn’t see each other every day we still kept in touch, though I wish we could have seen each other more. Once Katie started working for JP Morgan Chase full time and moved from Syracuse to the Philadelphia area I started to see physical changes in pictures on Facebook. The few times we spoke in between our busy schedules, I would never want to bring up such a negative topic for Katie, so when we spoke it was always upbeat and positive about how well we were doing at our jobs. I only wish that I could have done more to help Katie besides just speaking to her on the phone. I don’t blame the distance because no matter what Katie always knew I loved her and that I supported her in anything she did, but I was heartbroken when I heard of Katie’s passing. Someone so young and so beautiful with so much potential, so much passion and so much to

offer could never have lost the battle with Anorexia, right? But I was in denial. I was wrong! A two-time, honors graduate from Syracuse University with a BS and MS in IT, technology analyst at JPMorgan Chase and one of the most inspiring people I had ever met lost her battle with Anorexia.

Anorexia is described as an illness which is an attempt to feel better on the inside by focusing on what is on the outside. While this is true for most people who place great importance on controlling their weight, for someone suffering with anorexia, no matter how much the outside is controlled, it never seems to be enough. Anorexia need to be understood in order for us to help someone to overcome it. So please, go to KMB for Answers do your research and seek help if you or anyone you know needs help with this devastating illness. We may never know why the people who do lose their lives to this terrible disease, stop believing in getting treatment or trying to get better, but we can do everything in our power to try and limit it from happening. During her final days Katie started to refuse help, but she can still help anyone who maybe suffering through KMB for Answers. The goal of KMB for Answers “is to provide linkages for anyone touched by this disease to help find support, treatment, understanding, and options to deal with this devastating illness.” So go to www.kmbforanswers.org and read Katie’s story and never forget that seeking help will only make you stronger! And of course never forget:

You are Strong. You are Beautiful. You are Loved.

Thank You!

Orange Pulse: KMB for Answers March 2014 Shelley Lender

KMB for Answers Newsletter • Spring Edition 2015 PG.9

In her book, TuTu Thin, Dawn tackles the topic of eating disorders in the dance world in a way that has not been handled to date. She helps dance teachers, parents and dancers understand how an eating disorder can take over and how to prevent the kind of thinking and behavior that will lead toa serious problem. From the Foreword written by Carolyn Costin, MA, MED, MFT, CEDS Chief Clinical Officer, Monte Nido & Affiliates. Author of Your Dieting Daughter The Eating Disorder Sourcebook 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder

Brief Synopsis: It’s no secret that eating disorders among

dancers are a serious and hot topic today. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder, and of all athletes, dancers are one of the groups most vulnerable to the disorder. According to Coach Up in July, 2013, the average incidence of eating disorders is approximately one in a hundred, and with dancers, it is one in five. A 1991 study found that 43% of the Houston Ballet Academy dancers were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The prevalence of anorexia nervosa is three to six times higher in ballet dancers than the general population. It is time to respond to this popular discussion with the first substantial work that goes beyond sound-bytes to, at last, offer in-depth advice and information about dancers, their eating disorders and facilitating recovery. TuTu Thin is a book written for dancers (as well as the influential people in their lives):

Dawn Theodore, MA, MFT, CEDS, is a leader in the treatment of eating disorders, adding to her therapy practice the insights of a dance professional and teacher, studio owner, and dancer who has personally recovered from anorexia nervosa. She is currently the Director of Day Treatment Services for Monte Nido and Affiliates. She also has a private therapy practice in Calabasas and Brentwood, California.

She appeared on Health Zone with Amy Hendel and Recovery Talk Network as a therapist with a specialty in the eating disorder field. She has also been a guest teacher at Pepperdine University and California State University Dominguez Hills. She appeared on several episodes of the Lifetime Network documentary about the treatment of eating disorders, “Starving Secrets.”

Dawn owned and operated her dance studio in Calabasas for twenty-five years. Before opening her studio, Dawn lived in New York City where she taught and performed for the legendary Henry LeTang. Dawn has been featured in many productions, commercials and TV shows.

She has written the chapter “Fitness or Fanatic” (with Carolyn Costin) in her rewrite of the 1997 The Dieting Daughter, released in 2013. Dawn has also written for The Recovery Journal on the relationship between eating disorders and crystal methamphetamines.

For more information on this momentous book, please visit http://www.tututhin.com/

The Release of “TuTu Thin” A Guide to Dancing without an Eating Disorder By Dawn Theodore-Smith, M.A., MFT, CEDS • Forward by Carolyn Costin, M.A., M.ED, MFT

We would like to hear from you:• If you would like to volunteer to read and review a book for our next newsletter• If you would like to participate in any upcoming events• If you need our support• If you would like to purchase KMB merchandise• If you are a professional and would like to submit information for our newsletter• If you are recovered and would like to contribute to our newsletter• If you are a loved one that would like to contribute an article to our newsletter regarding

your experience

YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE LOVED

We are family and friends who were desperate to do something positive after Katie’s death. We needed to do something, we felt powerless and devastated; we need to find answers. To honor Katie, who was such an inspiration to so many, we decided to establish a foundation to help others so that Katie’s struggle was not in vain and her legacy would continue.

The purpose of this foundation is to expand awareness, knowledge, understanding, support, and options for individuals who struggle with anorexia. This is a devastating disorder that shatters the individual’s life. Some will struggle for years, others will lose their battle; leaving loved ones to wonder “why.”

As we go forward and wait for tax exempt status; we continue to raise awareness through our website, Facebook page, sharing information, participating in and hosting events and continuing to advocate for research and legislative initiatives in addition to supporting national organizations.

Editor: Tamie Beeman-Gangloff, M.A.

Web/ Graphic Designer: Cassi Tuchrellowww.creativetuch.comwww.creativetuchphoto.comwww.facebook.com/CreativeTuch

Board of Directors:Ellen Bennett: Director and Katie’s Mom. Katie lost her battle with anorexia after 15 years, 10 of which she was in strong recovery when she attended high school, graduated with honors from Syracuse University; BS and MS, was a Project Manager for Chase in Wilmington, DE. Ellen is an Educational Administrator.

Luke Costanza: Co-Director, very good friend of Katie’s and first love. They met in high school and knew each other for over 10 years. Luke works as an Fiber Optics Engineer and lives in Durham, NC.

Megan Bennett: Secretary/Treasurer and Katie’s sister. As a sibling, Megan was impacted by the eating disorder on many levels and is dedicated to helping others impacted by this devastating disease. Megan is a n Assistant Buyer for American Eagle and lives near Pittsburgh, PA.

KMB for Answers Board: Faith Wester, Anne VanderVen-Watt, Becca Mastasio-Benham, Brandi Scalise, Sara Donals, Emily Chiara, Amber Connine

Website: KMBforAnswers.org Facebook: KMBforAnswers