Web Extra Article - Health

Ride across U.S. raises funds for eating disorders recovery

(PRNewswire)-On November 15, 2011, a young woman named Emi Berger rode her bicycle into San Diego, California with 6,200 kilometres and more than $10,000 under her belt - all in support of individuals who are suffering with deadly eating disorders.

Berger's ride began more than two decades ago, when a dear friend of hers first began battling bulimia. That battle lasted 15 long years and left a lasting impression on the cyclist, who vowed to find a way to reach out and help others who suffered similarly.

Eating disorders may affect as much as 10 per cent of the population, and they are also said to be the most deadly of all psychiatric illnesses.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, as few as one-third of those who affected by eating disorders receive adequate medical care.

Berger decided to bicyle across the U.S. to raise funds to support MentorCONNECT, an international non-profit organization that provides free mentoring and peer support to eating disorder sufferers.

Her ride was nicknamed "Tour de MentorCONNECT" in honour of one of her athletic heroes, Lance Armstrong, who has used his superstar status as an athlete and his own experiences battling cancer to highlight the plight of other cancer sufferers.

"I chose MentorCONNECT because this non-profit organization provides those struggling with a safe and easy way to ask for help and, with the help of a community of peers, find ways to recover and rebuild their lives."

More information about Berger’s ride, including a link to her daily ride journal with photographs, is available at http://www.mentorconnect-ed.org/tourdementorconnect/.

"We are so grateful to individuals like Emi, who understand how difficult the eating disorder recovery process can be and how few resources are out there to support those who are suffering," said Shannon Cutts, executive director for MentorCONNECT and herself a survivor of a 15-year battle with anorexia and bulimia.

"Without people like Emi, MentorCONNECT and other non-profit organizations like ours could not keep our doors open."