Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my fundraising page.

For my birthday this year, I am raising money for the Butterfly Foundation, a national charity for all Australians impacted by Eating Disorders and body image issues. 

As someone who experienced Anorexia Nervosa, I understand firsthand how debilitating and long lasting the effects of eating disorders are, and how difficult the journey to recovery can be. The true seriousness and severity of these disorders are still widely overlooked, and they are all too often either romanticized or shied away from. It may be shocking to hear that eating disorders have the highest suicide and mortality rate of all mental health disorders, while being associated with complications in every organ of the body.

I was one of the lucky ones, who had access to life saving support services like the Butterfly Foundation that allowed me to win this battle and finally reclaim my life. However, the reality is that 20% of Australians with an eating disorder will end up losing their lives. Even for survivors, a quarter will experience severe and long-term illness.

Treatment and support services are absolutely essential, meaning the difference between life and death. However, without sufficient funds, Butterfly is restricted in the help they can offer to those experiencing eating disorders, and the families and friends who support for them.

Anyone can experience an eating disorder, no matter their age, size, abilities, culture, or gender identity; and everyone deserves the chance to life a healthy and happy life. 

So please, if you also want to help people regain their health and improve the truly ugly ED stats, join me in raising essential money for the Butterfly Foundation. Even the smallest donation would mean so so much to me, and the sufferers who rely on our support. 

Helping one person might not change the world, but it will change the world for that one person.

• Just $20 can enable the parents of an eating disorder sufferer the opportunity to attend a Butterfly facilitated support group, which is a crucial step in the recovery journey.
• $500 could assist a Butterfly sessional presenter to educate and empower teachers, students and parents within schools on prevention and early identification.
• $5,000 could assist with the relocation of an entire family so their loved one can attend our Intensive Outpatient Program.

If you can’t donate at this time, I would love if you could help raise awareness by learning more about the Butterfly foundation, and the severity of Eating Disorders and body image issues. Please follow the links below for more information - it would be so great if you could read even just one of them:

• What is an Eating Disorder?
• Information, resources & fact sheets – learn about different types eating disorders, body image, and tips for supporting yourself/others

• Myths about eating disorders or video version
• 6 ways to be body positive  

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. 

Also, feel free to share this post to spread the word. 

Thank you so much for reading this!