green living blue planet - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte

adolescent identify, accept, honor and express feelings. It is important to resolve
conflict openly,” said Eilenberger, who will give the closing speech at the NEDA
Walk.
Biological factors can be a large contributing factor. Sometimes a child has an
anxiety disorder such as obsessive compulsive disorder and the way it shows up is
with anorexia. Other times a child has a major depressive disorder and the eating
disorder develops secondary to this.
Eating disorders are successfully treated with a multifaceted approach and
the process is lengthy. A psychoeducational approach is often used with the family
members to help them understand the illness and how to be helpful. The earlier
the treatment the better chance for a successful recovery.
After briefly seeking help from a therapist in August 2010, when she was
living in Summerville, SC, Brumley was able to put the pieces together that her
“childhood had been so chaotic, traumatic and uncertain that what I did or did not
put in my mouth gave me something I was in complete control of. I felt powerful,
in control, and for the first time in my life found something I could count on.”
Unfortunately when Brumley moved back to Charlotte in November, she
could not find any free support groups or affordable therapy and her insurance
doesn’t cover treatment. When Dreyer discovered this she was inspired to start
Melissa’s Voice Foundation, Inc., an organization in memory of her sister that helps
men and women pay for the extensive counseling and medical attention needed to
successfully treat eating disorders. The first scholarship from Melissa’s Voice Foundation,
Inc. will be awarded at NEDA Walk Charlotte.
Dreyer knows her sister would be very pleased with her work.“I know Melissa
would be so very proud of my efforts. She knows that I am capable of looking into the
eyes and hearts of all people to encourage them and let them know how much they
are loved. It was easy to name my foundation Melissa’s Voice as I believe she is an
angel of encouragement to all she left behind working through me to save others.”
NEDA WALK CHARLOTTE
Oct 22 at Freedom Park
Registration opens at 8am and the
walk will kick-off at 9am. Register as
an individual, create your own team
or be a “Pajama Donor” -raise funds
without leaving your bed.
Pre-Registration (Adult): $20
Pre-Registration (Child): $10
Day-Of Registration (Adult): $25
Day-Of Registration (Child): $10.
There will be a tree planting ceremony
in memory of Melissa Ritter as well as
an array of exciting raffle prizes including
two tickets to see Bonnie Raitt at
the exclusive Music with Friends concert
at McGlohan Theater on Nov 1.
Register/Info: MelissasVoice.org,
Neda.NationalEatingDisorders.org/
CharlotteWalk.
natural awakenings October 2011
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