Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran were just 15 years old when they met during treatment for anorexia nervosa. After battling the illness for several years, both helped each other reach full recovery and knew they wanted to help others do the same.
In the spring of 2008, Rosenman and Saffran founded Project HEAL. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising money for people with eating disorders unable to afford lifesaving treatment because of insufficient insurance coverage, which can run upwards of $30,000 a month.
Since its launch, Project HEAL has sent 52 applicants to treatment through its grant program, opened over 40 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Australia, and developed partnerships with 16 recognized eating disorder treatment centers across the United States.
Project HEAL, along with its founders Rosenman and Saffran, aim to show those suffering that there is hope, and full recovery is possible. The nonprofit also serves as a platform for building self-esteem, positive body image, and self-love, with both Rosenman and Saffran serving as mentors and striving to inspire others to live life to the fullest.
Eating disorders are serious illnesses that affect up to 24 million Americans. They have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, and as many as 1 in 10 who suffer will die. Full recovery is possible, but not without highly specialized treatment that attends to the psychological, emotional, and physiological ramifications of the disease.
For a tax-deductible donation of any amount, visit http://theprojectheal.org/add-your-support/
