Last year, a brave young woman named Bailey Monarch enlisted the help of the National Eating Disorders Association and formed the first ever Tampa Bay NEDA Walk.  With roughly 350 walkers registered, the walk raised nearly $33,000 to go toward campaigns making women and men aware of the incredible dangers of eating disorders.  This year's walk will take place on Saturday, February 25th at Al Lopez Park in Tampa and will include a 1 mile and 5K.  The event will begin at 10 a.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m., and once again, Bailey will be the master of ceremonies.  You can register to participate at www.fighteatingdisorders.com. 

Here is Bailey's story.... (from www.fighteatingdisorders.com)

Around this time two and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with a terrible disease that, sadly, kills over 480,000 Americans each year: anorexia nervosa. While all of the other teenagers my age were enjoying those unforgettable teenage years, I was struggling to survive

I did not choose to have an eating disorder; my eating disorder chose me. During my junior year of high school, I was forced to fight for my life and by no means was it easy. My eating disorder controlled me. My eating disorder was what determined what I could eat. My eating disorder was what told me that I was not beautiful and that no one loved me. My eating disorder was the reason I wanted to go to bed and never wake up. It made me think I was worthless. It robbed me of my self-confidence, joyful personality, social life, and passion for ballet. I was on death's door; I was severely underweight and as a result my hair was falling out, my foot was paralyzed, my nails were blue from lack of circulation, and my heart was orthostatic. On top of all that, I had a fatally low heart rate and blood pressure; my heart could have stopped beating at any moment. And they thought it was going to. But there was just one problem: I was not ready to give up my life! As soon as I made up my mind that I was going to regain control of my life and recover from my eating disorder, nothing could stop me.

I am now a typical 18 year old freshman at college, and absolutely loving life!! As part of my recovery one and a half years ago, I wanted to unite the Tampa Bay community to raise awareness of eating disorders so that no one would have to face the pain and suffering that my family and I had to endure. So I started the first NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) walk in Florida.  I shared my story with the community; and together, on February 19th, 2011, I achieved my goal. This would have not been possible without the support of the community and sponsors. Because of people like you, Tampa Bay's First Annual National Eating Disorders Association Walk made history. We had over 350 walkers and raised over $33,000!

I had no idea that this event would have such a huge impact on our community. But thanks to the overwhelming support of my community, Tampa Bay is now "talking" about eating disorders. The diseases that were once characterized by silence and secrecy are now being brought into the open.  Since the walk, I have received many emails and phone calls from people who heard my story and don't know where to turn.  By coordinating the 2nd Annual NEDA Walk in the Tampa Bay area, I hope to not only raise money for eating disorder treatment and research, but also to continue the work we started to unite the community and raise awareness of the disease and the treatment options.  This can help prevent others from developing an eating disorder; and most of all, can help families find treatment centers and resources to support them in recovery.

Last year's walk was a day that brought tears, hugs, and friendships to a community where they had never shared or talked about eating disorders in such a public way. I realized that day that there was a real need for people in my community to share their pain, their struggles, and their beautiful stories of recovery. It also made me realize the dire need for communities to have more of these walks where people can seek out resources such as treatment centers, therapists, medical professionals, nutritionists, and knowledge.

I need your help. I am asking for you to donate, sponsor, and get involved in the 2012 walk. Children as young as six years old are being diagnosed with anorexia! I am worried if we don't start talking about this disease we will have a generation of children with eating disorders. On this website you will find information about sponsor packages and creating a team.  I am asking for you to support the cause and DO JUST ONE THING to help fight eating disorders! The walk will take place on February 25, 2012 at Al Lopez Park, Tampa, Florida. With your help and support, this walk can help save lives!

Yours truly,

Bailey Monarch