Sierra’s Story

I was diagnosed with Anorexia 4 years ago, at the age of 19. After taking time off to receive inpatient treatment, I have learned that my Eating Disorder was something that had been quietly brewing inside of me since the age of 6. It was a coping mechanism. I’ve spent much of the past few years in a constant battle for my life, longing to get better, but wondering if I would ever recover.

I have been through the system; through the cycle of hospitals, doctors/therapists/dieticians and treatment centres, desperately trying to navigate my way out of this hell. I was fortunate enough to be able to receive this treatment. Without it, I don’t think I would be here. I have both seen and lived the ugly nature of this illness. I have damaged my body, lost friends, hurt my family, and been scared for my life. I have been told that I am too sick to receive treatment, AND that I am not sick enough. I have dealt with the stigma surrounding Eating Disorders; that they are a choice- that I should just EAT.

I am here today, in a better place than I have ever been. I am actively pursuing some of my passions, while raising awareness about this cause so close to my heart. I laugh, I cry, and I feel… I am happy. Never in a million years, did I think it was possible to be at the place I am at now.

It took time. I would make progress, and then slide back into the Eating Disorder’s clutches. I would try again, only to wind up back in treatment. I wanted so desperately to be free, but constantly felt like I was failing everyone- myself included. It took time. I had to learn to be patient and compassionate with myself. I had to work alongside various health professionals, often handing over all of my trust. I had to let go of all of the false beliefs I had created for myself, and allow a new identity to be formed.

I have discovered that it is difficult for people to understand the complex nature of disordered eating due to the various stigmas associated, and the lack of accessibility to resources. Additionally, recovery is different for each and every individual, which means each treatment must be designed and tailored to each and every person. Because of the lack of funding, many people have to reach into their pockets to see private counsellors, dieticians, and doctors – recovery can take a team of people. My parents have spent over $150,000 on my treatment. I am forever grateful to have the financial support of my family, but that is not the case for many British Columbians fighting to recover on their own.

Everyone deserves a chance to be free. Everyone deserves the gift of recovery.

With your support we can help men and women to access the treatment and programs they would not otherwise have the chance to. Please consider donating to Project True’s Gift of True. Help us make recovery possible.

About the grant:

Thanks to the generosity of the team at Cedars at Cobble Hill, Project True is offering our community ten complimentary spots to their two day treatment workshop based on the Daring Way workshop model. 

The workshop is taking place on June 24th and 25th, 2016, at the South Delta Little House Society, 5061 12th Avenue, Tsawwassen, BC. Applications for the workshop are open to persons recovering from an eating disorder that are not in a critical or acute stage, and that are able to attend both days of the workshop.

Applications are open until June 16th 2016. The names of the candidates that meet the basic requirements of the online application will be placed into a draw, and selected at random. The ten selected applicants will be contacted by email no later than June 20th, 2016. Applicants’ identities will be kept confidential

Thank you to Cedars at Cobble Hill for helping us make recovery possible.