Learn2Love battles eating disorders
Zack Bateman
Issue date: 5/14/09 Last update: 5/18/09 at 11:42 AM PST
Section: Features
Some people believe things like eating disorders and anxiety are merely a state of mind which can easily be disposed of. This mentality towards these conditions can make it hard for anyone to understand the motives behind the matter, let alone relate to it.
Berkeley resident Amy Moore has battled and overcome this condition after much fighting for and dedication to a better way of life. At the age of 18, Moore started her own organization, The Learn 2 Love Foundation in order to help people with eating disorders and anxiety connect and speak out.
Now, after almost two years, the foundation has grown quite an online following and response. Still, it is hard for a nonprofit organization such as this to receive bigger help from any major companies or the public. So where does one start? We met up with Amy in person to speak about the foundation and its plans.
What motivated you to start the foundation?
"I struggled with my eating disorder privately for years because I was ashamed and too afraid that my parents wouldn't understand. When I decided to reach out for help, all of my fears became a reality as my family really didn't understand. After quite some time and becoming very ill, I decided to reach out to someone I saw on Myspace who was suffering from Anorexia.
She wasted no time with her generosity and nursed me back to health via internet and phone, all the while motivating me to get professional treatment despite my fears and inhibitions. She was such an inspiration. I started to realize that if I could pass on the information I got from her to others, maybe I could make a difference in someone else's life like she did with mine."
What was your main goal?
"The main goal I had for Learn 2 Love when I first started the foundation was to just have a safe online community where people could go if they were suffering from an eating disorder but felt they had to keep it from their families. I could see right away that it gave them motivation to recover because they had a purpose, a purpose to teach the world about what they were going through. Unfortunately it's incredibly common that parents react in a way that leaves their son/daughter even worse off than before. I knew we'd need to build a comfortable environment."
What have been some highlights of starting Learn 2 Love?
"The most rewarding things that have happened since Learn 2 Love started have been the recovery stories I've received from people. The conversations I've had with girls who told me that they thought they could never consider recovery until Learn 2 Love."
What would you like to see more of for the foundation?
"I'd like to see Learn 2 Love blossom into an organization that can really help everyone affected by eating disorders. Right now, there are only a few people who help run Learn 2 Love and we plan to find more staff members."
Do you have any words to anyone who may be suffering from this condition?
"The most important thing to remember is that you aren't alone and there IS hope. Don't be afraid to reach out. Your body is beautiful and it IS possible to be happy and healthy at the same time. You can learn to love your body, yourself."
To learn more about The Learn 2 Love Foundation or purchase T-shirts and clothing, etc. you can go to www.learn2lovefoundation.org or www.myspace.com/learnlovefoundation.
Berkeley resident Amy Moore has battled and overcome this condition after much fighting for and dedication to a better way of life. At the age of 18, Moore started her own organization, The Learn 2 Love Foundation in order to help people with eating disorders and anxiety connect and speak out.
Now, after almost two years, the foundation has grown quite an online following and response. Still, it is hard for a nonprofit organization such as this to receive bigger help from any major companies or the public. So where does one start? We met up with Amy in person to speak about the foundation and its plans.
What motivated you to start the foundation?
"I struggled with my eating disorder privately for years because I was ashamed and too afraid that my parents wouldn't understand. When I decided to reach out for help, all of my fears became a reality as my family really didn't understand. After quite some time and becoming very ill, I decided to reach out to someone I saw on Myspace who was suffering from Anorexia.
She wasted no time with her generosity and nursed me back to health via internet and phone, all the while motivating me to get professional treatment despite my fears and inhibitions. She was such an inspiration. I started to realize that if I could pass on the information I got from her to others, maybe I could make a difference in someone else's life like she did with mine."
What was your main goal?
"The main goal I had for Learn 2 Love when I first started the foundation was to just have a safe online community where people could go if they were suffering from an eating disorder but felt they had to keep it from their families. I could see right away that it gave them motivation to recover because they had a purpose, a purpose to teach the world about what they were going through. Unfortunately it's incredibly common that parents react in a way that leaves their son/daughter even worse off than before. I knew we'd need to build a comfortable environment."
What have been some highlights of starting Learn 2 Love?
"The most rewarding things that have happened since Learn 2 Love started have been the recovery stories I've received from people. The conversations I've had with girls who told me that they thought they could never consider recovery until Learn 2 Love."
What would you like to see more of for the foundation?
"I'd like to see Learn 2 Love blossom into an organization that can really help everyone affected by eating disorders. Right now, there are only a few people who help run Learn 2 Love and we plan to find more staff members."
Do you have any words to anyone who may be suffering from this condition?
"The most important thing to remember is that you aren't alone and there IS hope. Don't be afraid to reach out. Your body is beautiful and it IS possible to be happy and healthy at the same time. You can learn to love your body, yourself."
To learn more about The Learn 2 Love Foundation or purchase T-shirts and clothing, etc. you can go to www.learn2lovefoundation.org or www.myspace.com/learnlovefoundation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Lindsay DeMara
posted 5/19/09 @ 6:17 PM PST
I have been talking with Amy for awhile now...she is a true inspiration...i wish i was closer so that i could help her with l2l
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