Once again, I find myself at the task of creating a GoFund me page. Believe me when I tell you that it’s always the very last option when all others have been exhausted or failed. It is never easy to ask for help, but it pales in comparison to the strength it takes to fight a terminal disease, such as is the case here with my friend Shea.

Some of you might know Shea, and if you do then you know how special she is. She is loved by so many people, and her absence from the Salem community is certainly felt. At the moment she is in the hospital due to her struggle with bulimia, and she is waiting for her admittance into a long term in-patient program for eating disorders. As of right now, she only weighs 100 pounds, and will need to gain 15 before she will be released from the program.



If Shea were to go on untreated, the effects of bulimia could prove detrimental. Some of the complications that may arise from bulimia include:



Rupture of the esophagus or stomach from persistent bingeing and purging episodes

Electrolyte imbalance

Cardiovascular complications (such as cardiac arrest)

Damage to vital organs (such as the intestines, kidneys, and liver)



Some people might think that eating disorders are just a phase that teenagers go through and that it is something to scoff at and shame people for. This however is untrue, and when other components are involved such as those shown below, it can get to the point where getting better is a fight for life; as in any other terminal life threatening diseases. The difference is that eating disorders are attached to a stigma, and it's not fair because those who suffer from eating disorders are often experiencing a mix of other issues that make it more and more difficult.



Factors in the Development of Bulimia



Genetic predisposition

Family history

Environmental triggers

Societal pressures

Stressful life changes and transitions



Other co-occurring disorders, such as:

Depression

Anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Shea has a history of depression, a family history of mental illness, and was recently diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder to boot.



“Researchers have discovered a link between women who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bulimia, finding that the chances of developing bulimia nervosa are increased significantly when an individual is diagnosed with PTSD.” https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/bulimia/bulimia-and-underlying-trauma



Her financial burden when she is released will hopefully be the last thing that she has to worry about while she takes the necessary steps to re-adjust back into her life. It would benefit her a lot to only have to focus on her recovery both now and in the future when she is released from the hospital.



Expenses will build up while she is not working for things such as rent and bills, groceries, and additionally-medical bills.



If you are able to help, even in a small way, then please consider making a donation to Shea’s recovery fund. I know we all want to see her healthy and happy again. We all deserve to be given the help that we need it, and right now Shea really needs it.





Thank you.













