Candace Cameron Bure Helps Kick Off 'Eating Recovery Day'

On Tuesday, May 3, Eating Recovery Center (ERC) hosted the first-ever "Eating Recovery Day" to discuss the pervasive nature of eating disorders and to inspire hope for recovery for those who are suffering. At an event in New York City, leading experts and influencers from ERC were joined by former patients (known as ERC alumni) and celebrity guest Candace Cameron Bure, who shared stories of their personal struggles with eating disorders and how recovery changed their lives for the better.

"My wish is, that by sharing my story for Eating Recovery Day, it has brought hope to those who are suffering," said Recovery Ambassador Candace Cameron Bure. "To bring lasting change, I hope we can not only celebrate stories of recovery, but also shed light on the myths and begin to remove any stigma that stands in the way of those who need it from getting help.

Bure, who has been transparent in recent years about her past struggle with bulimia, shared her story and encouraging messages to inspire others to seek recovery. Along with her personal account, two former ERC patients -- Eric Dorsa and Savannah Kerr -- offered insight on their struggles, experiences with treatment and current states of recovery. Dorsa and Kerr equally expressed that every step they took to reach recovery was worth it, offering inspiration for others to seek the same.

The ERC alumni and Bure were joined by ERC's eating disorder experts Bonnie Brennan (Senior Clinical Director) and Jenni Shaefer (National Recovery Advocate for ERC's Family Institute; recovered from an eating disorder), as well as Doug Weiss (Chief Marketing Officer) who, together, shed light on eating disorders and recovery options.

"Thirty million Americans are affected by eating disorders, and up to one person an hour will die as a direct result of the illness. What people don't realize is that the faces of eating disorders span across all ages. At Eating Recovery Center, we've treated everyone from children to those in their 80's, men and women, rich and poor, people of all races," said Bonnie Brennan, Senior Clinical Director of Adult Residential and Partial Hospital Services at Eating Recovery Center. "For instance, about 15 percent of women over the age of 50 struggle with an eating disorder, and 10 million men in the U.S. will have an eating disorder sometime in their life."

ERC encouraged everyone across the country to join the conversation by sharing his or her story of recovery -- or celebrating a family member or friend -- by showing support on social media channels leading up to, and on May 3, using #EatingRecoveryDay.

"The biggest obstacle for me was finding clinicians and treatment centers that would actually treat a male with an eating disorder. I was first diagnosed with anorexia at age 12 -- eating disorders were not about food, especially for me. It was about identity. And now, it's an everyday choice to enter with grace into recovery," said Eric Dorsa, Recovery Ambassador.
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Eating disorders have a wide-reaching impact, threatening a person's health, well-being, joy, confidence and overall life, as well as their families and friends. With the launch of Eating Recovery Day, ERC's goal is to encourage people around the country to start conversations about eating disorders and available treatment options to empower patients and their families to take the first step toward overcoming the illness and truly recovering their lives.

"I found strength and my path to recovery through my faith. But everyone's journey is unique and for those who need help, I encourage them to visit Eating Recovery Center," said Bure. "I know that if I needed it, Eating Recovery Center would have been there for me too -- like they are for so many patients -- to provide the best treatment available in the country for those affected by eating disorders."