Alpha Upsilon Strives to
CreateAwareness about Eating Disorders
S
the FREED (Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders) Act which seeks government awareness of eating disorders as well as fair insurance coverage of eating disorder treatment. The event and the month concluded with a $1,000 donation to the Leslie George Memorial Fund from the Alpha Upsilon Chapter.
Since 2000, Alpha Upsilon Chapter at James Madison University has actively worked to create awareness of eating disorders. The work began after the loss of Leslie George, Alpha Upsilon and Omega, who passed away in September 2000 due to complications from an eating disorder. During the month of February, which is National Eating Disorders Awareness Month, Sisters promote eating disorders awareness to the JMU campus for the Leslie George Memorial Fund, which was established by George’s parents shortly after her death. The event has grown tremendously in the last few years as the chapter continually strives to hold events and speakers that draw large crowds to reach as many students as possible. In addition, the Women’s Resource Center on James Madison University’s campus has helped with the planning and promoting of events, and contacting speakers.
through their internal characteristics, not their physical attributes.
The month long event includes a mix of informational and social events, in an effort to attract all types of students. Chapter members have seen the impact that their effort has had on the student body, as several students have told the women that an event inspired them to seek help for themselves or for a friend.
This year’s event included an appearance by former Miss America Kirsten Haglund, who spoke to James Madison University students and the Harrisonburg community about her platform on eating disorders awareness. She spoke of her experience with trying to be “ballerina thin” for most of her life and how she has overcome her struggle and has helped many women along the way through her work as Miss America. Additionally, the University Women’s Resource Center held a nutrition and wellness fair where students could find information about healthy eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To raise money for the fund, the chapter held a dodgeball tournament and a Valentine’s Day rose sale.
The theme for this year was “My _________ makes me Beautiful.” Women should fill the blank with nonphysical characteristics about themselves that makes them beautiful. The goal of the theme is to help students build self-confidence
The month ended with Speak Out, one of the most important chapter events, which was also attended by Leslie George’s parents. The evening’s speaker, Kathleen MacDonald, spoke of her own experiences with eating disorders, as well as her work with
While events benefit the university community at large, the chapter also benefits from the events. Sisters are better educated about eating disorders and the effects they have on women. Sisters now speak more openly about their own insecurities and body image issues, and are encouraged to seek help for themselves or others. Alpha Upsilon has also found reward in knowing they have helped educate their campus community. Although Leslie George’s life was cut short, the impact she has had on her chapter and the James Madison University campus will last forever. The awareness created through the Leslie George Memorial Fund will continue helping students and continue saving lives.
For more information on the Leslie George memorial Fund, please visit www.jmu.edu/healthctr/ eatingdisorder/leslie.shtml. For more information on eating Summer 2009disorders, | T h e T r please i a n g l evisit 17
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.