The following story is about a young woman named Caron who has been battling anorexia. This story is shared through the eyes of her friend, Lisa Arndt.

Please be warned that some of the information may be very triggering if you suffer from an Eating Disorder yourself.

July 1997

July 7, 1997

Dear Friends,

Caron and I are still here in Los Angeles fighting the struggle of Anorexia. Due to a cyberspace blackout in my life, I haven't been able to update all of you, but I want to thank you for your support that I know is there... and to tell you that I think about everyone out there reading this incredible website and I smile. It feels so good to be a part of this powerful, special place. What a great family you are!

Caron is Okay. She did break her hip and now gets around on crutches (or stays sitting), but she did have an operation to help. Unfortunately, the hip replacement surgery did not take as well as it could have (due to her low immune system and malnutrition), so she will remain on crutches indefinitely. She take perscription medication for her on-going bone pain, however, this episode did effect her deeply. She really is truly and painfully aware that she could die at any moment, and is inspired to try harder. She also moves around less, thus burning less calories, and as a result has been able to gain a little bit of weight. She continues to try, with the support of friends who let her stay with them, and is trying to move forward.

I am happy and sad at this. I am glad the seriousness has finally sunk in, yet I am terribly worried that her physical body has been damaged beyond repair. But so long as she is still breathing, trying and talking about hope, than I will continue sending her as much healing energy her way as I can muster.

Thanks to all of you, loving and empathetic people. I am replenished with hope and strength. After all, what else are we doing here on earth, if not to try to live completely and love completely?

Blessed be...
Lisa

July 23, 1997

CARON IS IN JAIL

I received a collect call from Caron, who is currently serving time in a Los Angeles County jail for drug possession. Caron, who's broken hip is constantly causing her very intense pain, has been using a variety of different drugs to soothe her aching emaciated body as well as to escape from the painful realities of her life, for the past year.

Like many addicts, Caron's luck ran out eventually, and she was caught during a drug bust at a hotel where she was staying. (She has continued to move from friend to friend to occasional hotel, since being kicked out of her apartment due to her inability to pay rent, since she cannot work). Her hip was operated on, but she has not been taking proper care of it, so it has not been able to heal. She limps or uses crutches to get around, though mostly she does not walk at all. Now that she is in jail, ironically, she will receive some minimal medical attention (as it is an inmate's right to have health care). She will most likely be out of jail in another two weeks.

I'm so lost for her...

Lisa

Caron's story is about a young woman battling anorexia. It is shared through the eyes of her friend, Lisa Arndt.

read February, 1998 >>

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