After struggling with an eating disorder for over 34 years and never being having insurance or being able to afford treatment, I had given up all hope for freedom and recovery from this debilitating and fatal disease. I had truly come to believe and accept that I would have to live and die with this disorder.
In 2023 God made a way to receive good, specialized ED treatment at a facility in Alabama. It was a miracle and such a blessing because it was something that I had always wanted, but never believed was possible for me. At this facility, I had an amazing "Dream Team", which consisted of a therapist, family therapist and Leigh-Ann as my dietitian. The day we met for my initial assessment she shared with me that she had previously recovered from an ED. She really inspired me and gave me hope as something I wanted and was willing to work for myself.
Of course, I went through the refeeding process and worked towards consistently following my meal plan, but our main focus was not about food and weight. What we did talk about and learned about was who I was on the inside. A big part of this was my identity in Jesus Christ, who He says I am, and how He sees me as His chosen and beloved daughter. Having Leigh-Ann walk alongside me as a Christian believer really helped me to change my perspective. She encouraged me to focus on and apply God's truth, His Word, to my life. She is very wise and showed me real love and compassion as I did the hard work. She empowered me and believed in me. She was proud of me and the progress I made, until I could learn to be proud of myself. Leigh-Ann would remind me of how strong and resilient I am and how that strength can only come through Jesus. One of our favorite scriptures that she continually reminded me of was "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and always be prayerful" (Romans 12:12).
She is such a gem! She knew what I was capable of and challenged me to be more flexible and to live in the "grey area". She also had me really look at my values and beliefs and whether my actions were lining up with them.
Since returning back home, I continue to email Leigh-Ann for advice, suggestions, wise counsel, and sometimes just to check in.
She is very compassionate and confident in her job as a dietitian and truly loves and cares for each client she works with. She is an inspiration to every person she comes in contact with. She models and lives out the abundant life that Jesus has provided for us all.
It has been an honor and a blessing to have Leigh-Ann on my journey of recovery from an eating disorder. I now have hope and believe that there is freedom and recovery from an eating disorder.
-Shannon
