Anorexia.

Bulimia.

What comes to mind?

Excessive weight loss? A need for a super-thin image?

Although associated with a desire to lose weight, an eating disorder is in fact an extremely complex emotional illness. A real illness. Not just teenage dieting, not merely an unhealthy body image. Individuals with eating disorders cannot just “snap out of it” or “start eating”. They are stuck in the grip of an emotional illness which completely takes over their lives.

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Take Shani*, for example. A conscientious girl, Shani was a great student and popular among her classmates. And then, in seventh grade, everything started to fall apart. Shani’s mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and much of the responsibility for running the household fell on Shani’s young shoulders. In school, Shani no longer actively participated in classroom discussions and spent much of recess time in her seat. During lunch, she sat alone and mostly picked at her food.

In high school, Shani constantly complained of being cold. Regardless of the weather, she wore a sweatshirt to every class. She still kept up with her schoolwork, even as things at home continued to deteriorate, but seemed sullen and withdrawn. She was painfully thin and pale and often appeared to be half asleep in class.

When confronted by a concerned teacher, Shani insisted that everything was fine, while conceding that she was rather tired. Satisfied that Shani’s behavior was normal, considering the home situation, the teacher did not pursue the matter except to occasionally inquire after Shani’s mother’s health.

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Anorexia nervosa is the severe restriction of food intake, while bulimia nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating and subsequent purging. These eating disorders are often linked to a desperate need to feel in control of one’s life.

Eating disorders are tragic. Sufferers become obsessed with food preparation, eating rituals, body image and weight. These obsessions spiral into bizarre behavior patterns that overtake their lives.  Furthermore, the lack of adequate nutrition begins to impact the individual’s overall health. Blood flow rushes to protect the inner organs, causing the limbs to become cold. Hair falls out due to lack of proper nourishment. Eventually, organ systems shut down one by one, often leading to a painful and premature death.

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The summer after graduation, Shani’s condition spiraled out of control. She was sent home from camp and hospitalized for severe dehydration and malnutrition.

Shani remained a shadow of her former self, her weight on the charts plummeting to an eleven-year-old level. Even at this extreme stage of illness, Shani insisted that she was “OK” and did not require help.

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The true tragedy is that so often, obvious symptoms of eating disorders are overlooked, thereby allowing the illness to progress to life-threatening levels. Studies have proven that early detection, and appropriate and timely intervention, play a great role in an individual’s successful recovery.

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Sadly, awareness of the symptoms and gravity of eating disorders was lacking, and Shani’s family had nowhere to turn for specific guidance.

For nearly 20 years since, Shani had been in and out of treatment programs across the country and continues to struggle for survival each day.

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Fifteen years ago, under the guidance of the Amishinover Rebbe shlit”a and Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Shaarei Yosher, a fledgling organization was developed to heed the cries of those in the Jewish community struggling with an eating disorder. Magen Avrohom undertook to end the heartbreak of those who desperately need support and guidance.

Magen Avrohom pledged to care for these individuals and their families. Families consumed by anorexia and bulimia.

Magen Avrohom pledged to help these families navigate the turbulent world of eating disorders. Their world comprised of therapists, feeding tubes, hospitals, and rehab programs.

Magen Avrohom pledged to be a central address. A compassionate and professional address to help consider options, schedule therapeutic appointments, coordinate among doctors, therapists, and nutritionists, and ultimately, determine an optimal plan of care.

Together with their staff of professionally trained therapists and mentors, with ongoing input from medical experts, Magen Avrohom has created programs that are structured to truly help the individual. Confidentiality is strictly upheld to maintain clients’ dignity and respect.

With Magen Avrohom, a family in crisis can hope once again.

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There are many “Shani’s” in our community today, struggling to conquer illness. Unlike Shani, however, sufferers today have the soothing presence of Magen Avrohom at their side. Magen Avrohom, to protect them, to guide them in their perilous journeys.

And Magen Avrohom to help deal with the overwhelming expenses incurred at every step of the journey.

Help sponsor the miracle of recovery for those suffering from eating disorders. Join our auction today! Donate by calling 1-646-400-5009

*name has been changed to protect privacy