Lauren Hearne Stands for her Family, Friends and Community

No one can do it alone. No one can Stand alone. No one can walk alone. It's true we're in this together.

On October 27th Lauren Hearne, a sophomore psychology major at Mary Washington will Stand and speak out as a supporter, a friend, and an individual who's life. She's never had the thoughts in her brain - but she's walked with someone who has, and will speak out the hope and encouragement that comes with recovery and how she takes care of herself along the way. has been indirectly affected by an eating disorder. 

One of her favorite little reminders in times of struggle with food and mood she says, very kindly, "Who's talking right now - is it you - or is it your eating disorder? I'd like to speak with you please." She also believes in Hugs. Lots of Hugs.

Come Stand with Lauren On October 27th at 7pm at Andrew Lewis Middle School - Stand for your friends, your family, Stand for prevention, Stand for life.

Natalie Ball Stands for Awareness and Hope

Where I Stand is not about one person, it's not about two or three. It's about a community, it's about an idea, it's about doing something good, no something great.

On October 27th, Natalie Ball will stand and speak to spread awareness, education and hope for the treatment of eating disorders at Where I Stand. When I asked her today what this event meant to her, she said: "I’m no stranger to the difficulties associated with mental illness, so that me makes passionate about speaking out." She hopes that this event helps give others that might need help the courage to ask for it. "Eating disorders are complex" she says, "with many causes and factors... but there is hope in prevention and early intervention." And make no mistake that for those things we must speak.

Natalie says she's excited currently about speaking - but will probably get nervous right before the event! She's a Senior at JMU studying Psychology. 

She finished with "I cannot wait to stand with others for something so important, so meaningful."

Come Stand with Natalie, other speakers, the Freed Foundation and dancers from around Virginia to raise awareness, education and funds for the treatment of eating disorders on October 27th at 7pm.

Why is "Where I Stand" Important - Interviews

Everyone knows I'm passionate about this event. Now it's time for me to show all of you what I have been encouraged by, excited by and blown away by over these past few months. The passion and excitement, and   the "How can I help?" attitude that our community has responded to this event with is incredible.

Starting this week - I will be interviewing dancers, speakers, studio owners, community members, mental health professionals, teachers and the like - and you will see for yourself why "Where I Stand" is important.

It's October everyone... Spread Hope.

Do you want to be interviewed? Email Erin at whereistandtoday@gmail.com

I Stand for Perseverance

When it comes to treatment my attitude for a long while was "Let's get this done." or "Let me check this off my list."

I pushed myself through partial programs (trying to get back to classes).
I fought my way out of inpatient (one time)
I continually inquired about finishing up a group.

.... but I've learned something.

When it comes to recovery, speed has very little to do with it. In fact I've realized that these skills, tools, coping strategies, and supports are things I will need not just for today, or for the next few weeks - these are the things that keep me healthy, keep me in recovery..... and I will need them forever.

It takes perseverance, commitment, and determination.

Today I stand for perseverance.
Because sometimes I just don't feel like doing it anymore..... but I have to do it anyway.

Let's keep going. Let's persevere.

HOPE is contagious.

HOPE is contagious. 

I had a long weekend, not terrible, but long - and my brain was fighting me the whole time... I felt tired and run down, things we all feel from time to time.

And then this happened:

I asked some friends to help me Spread HOPE and spread awareness about the event "Where I Stand" - and people responded. Our facebook invites tripled in less than 24 hrs - I started receiving messages asking how people can help.

And all I can say is.... HOPE is contagious. Things change one person at a time, one conversation, one event, one kind act - and it spreads.

Spread the word about Where I Stand - Spread HOPE.

Invite your friends on facebook to the event.
Have a conversation
Make a phone call
Share this blog

- and ask them to do it too - because HOPE is contagious.

Hope is infecting the Valley....

Light is stronger than darkness.

Let the whole world hear..... [and become aware]

Today is a strange day. I didn't sleep last night. I have a Spanish test in two hours, and some of the most personal parts of my life are now in print all over the Roanoke Valley.

I feel strange - in a good way - relief almost. The secret is out.

I, Erin Elizabeth Casey am NOT perfect.
I struggle, I cry, I do stupid things
I have challenges, frustrations,
Off days - Off weeks even

AND

That is okay.

Take a look at the two pieces Where I Stand has been featured in over the past week or so. Let the whole world hear.... [and become aware] I'm not perfect - and if we're honest neither are you.

Say it out loud today, the relief is amazing!

Dan Casey's Column: Eating Disorders can take a toll on any family

Avery Eliades Blog post: Where I Stand Benefit to shine light on eating disorders

 

Sunday 9/16 Preview Event.

I will be speaking at Valley Dance Productions on Sunday September 16th at 4pm about 'Where I Stand' why it was created - and it importance for our community.

Come and meet me, some of the dancers & ask any questions you have about the event! 

You can buy your tickets at that time too! 

Sunday September 16th, 2012

4pm

Valley Dance Productions

17 Elm Avenue  Roanoke, VA 24016

Eating Disorders are life threatening mental illnesses.

Let's do something about it.

Also check out a story about the event at sosalem.com 

Click Here to Read the Story.