eatSTRONG to beSTRONG..a phrase that has helped me push through tough times dealing with an eating disorder in my own life.  After many years of being a strong athlete, I went down a very different and dangerous road after high school.  Due to many underlying issues, I started letting an eating disorder control my life.  The scary part is, other than visable weightloss, it is easy to play off an eating disorder.  It is easy to keep it inside and allow it to make you numb and lifeless in a short matter of time.  To top it off, an eating disorder and depression go hand-in-hand.  It stole my happiness, my passion--it even stole many of my relationships.  I lived in fear--fear of food, of weight gain, of confronting issues in my life that I wanted to ignore and bury.  It was only a matter of time until it became life-threatening, leaving me with two choices--admit I was sick and needed to get help, or allow this disease to steal everything from me including my life.  I felt a lot of shame and embarassment; however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you choose to see it--admit to see it.  YOU have the power to fight the chains that bind you to fear.  I took the steps to recovery and had weekly meetings that helped me realize issues and address them to fix the condition I was in.  Today, on a much better path and having a clearer mind, I can feel my passion for life coming back every day.  I have amazing people in my life supporting and encouraging me to eatSTRONG to beSTRONG.  Every day is a challenge and having an eating disorder is a disease I will have to fight my whole life; however, with the right help and constant support, I have the strength to face my fears and go after my dreams.  The reason I believe fundraising is so important is because so many people, of all ages and genders, are struggling day after day, fighting for their lives.  The more opportunities available, and the more information out there, the more lives that can be SAVED!  I am here to tell you that having an eating disorder is nothing to be ashamed of and as it says in the Bible, strength is made perfect through weakness.  The quicker you realize the problems and issues, the quicker you can gain back your life.  If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder please call 1-800-931-2237 to find help.  I created this page to get my voice out there and help others, along with myself,  fight eating disorders.  Together, we can raise money and help support and guide people all over the world who are losing their lives everyday.  Life is too valuable and too short to stay silent.  Please help by donating today!  eatSTRONG to beSTRONG -Nicole

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