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Date: 11/7/2018
AGAWAM – The dangers of eating disorders are seldom discussed. Lisa’s Light of Hope, an organization focused on raising awareness, supporting treatment and educating on eating disorders is hosting a Walk to Fight Eating Disorders on Nov. 11 at Agawam School Street Park.
The walk is an effort to raise donations for Walden Behavioral Care, based out of Waltham and Baystate Behavioral Health.
The organization was started in 2011. Lisa’s Light of Hope is inspired by the story of Lisa Marie Calabrese, who battled with eating disorders for four years. After a long fight, Lisa passed away in February 2009. Treatment was difficult to access during that time and was essentially unavailable locally. Lisa’s Light of Hope works to ensure that treatment is not difficult to receive if needed.
Since then, Lisa’s Light of Hope has worked to fight the stigma and misunderstandings behind eating disorders. There are a number of resources available to those struggling, and the organization helps make the community aware of them and reassure those struggling that they are not fighting alone. Amy Mendrala, organizer of the upcoming Walk to Fight Eating Disorders, feels it is important that the community has a discussion about eating disorders.
“It’s important to have a conversation about eating disorders because they are not discussed. They are often overlooked. People often praise someone who has lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time and don’t look into the reason behind it. There are usually mental health issues and underlying triggers. It’s often overlooked.”
The charitable organization has streamlined efforts to assist those struggling with eating disorders and to educate the public on them including helping people receive treatment and speaking in schools.
The upcoming Walk to Fight Eating Disorders is the sixth hosted by Lisa’s Light of Hope. The community is welcome to make a donation and join the organization for a walk around the park. “We would love to see teams. In the past, we have had teams. We would love to see families and school kids. It’d be great to see people come out and have a better understanding of what eating disorders are.”
Those interested in participating in the Walk to Fight Eating Disorders on Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. can register the day of the event on-site at Agawam School Street Park. Donations can be made at any time at lisaslightofhope.com. Dogs on leashes are also welcome to participate.