According to The Elisa Project Executive Director Anne Besser,
“Established in 1999, The Elisa Project is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention and effective treatment of eating disorders through awareness, education, support, and advocacy. Our vision is the elimination of eating disorders. We are quickly developing a national reputation in the field of eating disorders, yet our challenge is to maintain and expand our programs and outreach with qualified staff and services.
“Eating disorders are serious illnesses with life-threatening physical and psychological complications, and they are reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. As many as 24 million men, women and children are struggling with eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. 95% of those with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25, but we are starting to see cases in children as young as six and in adults as old as 76. Anorexia is the third most common illness among adolescents and has the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder. Eating disorders can be treated successfully, but only 1 in 10 people suffering receive treatment. Our efforts to stem this life-threatening illness have never been more vital and your gift is critical to our efforts.
“Through our school-age and community education and prevention programs, resource and referral services, professional education programs, and awareness events, The Elisa Project touched the lives of almost 34,000 children and adults in 2011. We expect that number to exceed 50,000 in 2012.”
-Anne Besser
Photo provided by The Elisa Project
yvonne says
Excellent. i am loving learning more about the charities that we all think we know about.. learning.. more with each “pitch”
Anne says
Jeanne, Thank you for letting me share the importance of supporting The Elisa Project.