Lifelines Foundation for Eating Disorders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Anderson
(254) 772-5909
elizabethpr@earthlink.net

FUNDING NEEDED TO EDUCATE TEXAS STUDENTS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS
Lifelines Foundation Seeks Assistance to Distribute Materials

WACO, Texas October 27, 2004 – Lifelines Foundation for Eating Disorders, a non-profit organization determined to establish the first non-profit acute-care facility in Texas to treat eating disorders, today announced it is seeking financial assistance to deliver educational materials about anorexia and bulimia to Texas schools. The prospective acute-care facility will be known as “The Haven.”

Additional information about eating disorders is needed by Texas students. An anonymous donor allotted $64,000 in funding to publish and send the educational materials to Lifelines for distribution in 11,000 public and private schools across Texas. Lifelines has estimated that it will cost $40,000 to deliver the materials to the 20 service centers.

“In the five years that Lifelines has been presenting eating disorder information in Texas schools, I have heard one resounding theme -- school nurses and counselors don’t have the information needed when a student, teacher, coach or family member comes to them for help,” said Dawn Montaner, founder of Lifelines. “It is imperative that we have the resources to deliver this information; whether it is a contribution of cash, a vehicle or gasoline—it’s all a tax deduction. The sooner we inform, the sooner we save a life.”

“We appreciate Lifelines’ efforts to bring educational material into the public school system,” said Dr. Shirley Neeley, Texas Education Commissioner. “Young people’s lives can be improved and perhaps even saved by educating students about anorexia and bulimia and ways to prevent both.”

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 80 percent of adolescent girls feel bad about their bodies, and 28 percent of boys are dissatisfied with their weight. They also estimate that 1,000 Americans will die from an eating disorder this year.

"Lifelines has given my daughter and our family a second chance at life," said Debbie and Sandy Cohen, parents of a recovering 14-year-old anorexic child. "Their efforts, resources, and most of all, continual support have paved the way to her recovery. It is crucial to educate and inform the public so that all may find comfort in a safe 'Haven'. I couldn't think of a better place."

About Lifelines Foundation for Eating Disorders
Founded in 1999 to raise awareness of the epidemic of eating disorders, Lifelines Foundation for Eating Disorders is determined to establish the first non-profit acute-care, long-term inpatient eating disorder facility in Texas, which will be called “The Haven.” Founder Dawn Montaner, herself a mother of a child who struggles with anorexia and bulimia, works tirelessly to revise the existing laws and to ensure that medical care is available for those in need. Lifelines Foundation is the largest grass-roots outreach eating disorder organization in Texas. Its resources and support allow families and victims to make accurate and informed decisions on treatment.

In November 2004, Montaner was named a Shining Star by Woman’s Day magazine. She was also selected as a Daily Points of Life award winner in April 2002 by the Points of Life Center.