We know it's a long letter, but read it... it's worth it!
I had never intended for Ophelia’s Place to become what it has today. I simply wanted to provide a safe place that would fill the gaps that existed at the time. However, Ophelia’s Place seems to have taken on a life of its own. It’s as if it grew legs and took off, and I’ve been trying to catch up ever since. Seven years ago to the day we held a press conference in downtown Syracuse, unveiling a billboard in recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. At that same time a reporter convinced us that we needed to share our story. I had no intention of doing that; the shame and stigma would be too much to bear. We had two daughters that were battling this deadly disease. How could I expose my family like that? After much prayer and conversation, we decided that we didn’t have a choice; that it was the right thing to do, in the hopes that others would step forward too. And guess what? They did. So now what? We had no money, no building, and no board of directors, no mission, no staff, and no blueprint… just a vision of what could be.
Ophelia’s Place began as a resource and support center for all those impacted by eating disorders. We became a crisis center of sorts; the only agency of its kind. We have seen first hand the devastation and impact of this disease. We also recognized that we could not limit our reach to a clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder. We’ve since broadened that reach to include those struggling with disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. It is a slippery slope that we as a society are on; trying to meet unattainable expectations of beauty and perfection. It’s not a far jump from bashing our bodies to abusing our bodies. Each is costly, and has critical consequences. It affects our education, our dreams, our relationships and our lives. It limits our potential. Every single day we wage war on our bodies with negative comments, chronic dieting, and unrealistic expectations. Who we are is not limited to the size of our jeans or a number on the scale… so why do we act like it is?
Enough! We are waving the white flag! It’s time to surrender to the unrealistic expectations of beauty. I hope you will consider joining us. Would Ophelia’s Place be grateful for your financial contribution? You see, it doesn’t any make sense that we have this 4500 sq. ft. building, provide outreach to thousands globally (with international recognition), provide annual workshops and weekly support groups… all without a funding stream. There is no doubt your financial support would ease that burden, and we would be ridiculously grateful for that. But we want more; we want your influence too. Your circle of girlfriends…we all have them; you know the ones that make you laugh so hard you pee your pants; the ones that dance with you, walk with you, cry with you, pray with you, dream with you. We want your circle of colleagues… the ones that believe in doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do; the ones who use their influence to create change. The ones who love to take risks, the ones who break the rules, the ones who perhaps are a bit dangerous. The ones who are willing to pick up that white flag and start a new dialogue. The ones that say throw away the scales… don’t buy magazines that make you feel bad about yourself. The one’s who don’t count calories, don’t skip meals, don’t diet and don’t talk bad about their bodies or anyone else’s. We want the ones that say do exercise because it feels good to move your body. Do buy what fits and is comfortable… do embrace your size. Do tell your doctor your health is not defined by your BMI or a number on a scale. Do step in for others who need your voice. Do respect your body. That’s what Ophelia’s Place wants more than anything… women who are willing to change the conversation… and become part of a movement, a radical “swim against the tide” movement; one that defies stereotypes, celebrates diversity and screams “I am beautiful just the way I am”.
Like I said earlier, I’ve been trying to catch up since the beginning. And although we still have no money and the shame and stigma still exists, we do have a building. We do have a board of directors, we do have a mission and we have created the blueprint. Will you step forward too?
With your support, well… imagine the possibilities.
What you can do...
