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.

September 1996

September 1st, 1996

Hi loves, happy September! Caron is holding steady. Her sister went back to Canada, and unfortunately, their visit was not completely successful. I am glad they saw each other, but I guess I was hoping that the exchange would result in Caron getting some help and it didn't. Caron did see her doctor again and is willing to get more tests done. She is also planning on starting therapy. I am hopeful again, but her eating habits have not changed (she drinks coffee during each day and has non-fat frozen yogurt each night). Cynthia continues to work on herself at the treatment center and I (with the help of so many of you reading) am determined to support them both. I am in this for the long haul and it is so nice to know you have taken the time to join me. Blessed be.

Lisa

September 22nd, 1996

Autumn Equinox

Hello friends... a couple things to tell you about: Cynthia is back from the treatment center, working a strong program, and rebuilding a small friendship with Caron. I am busy working, talking to high schools in Los Angeles, and answering e-mails from all of you!

Caron is growing more and more weak. She is having medical problems and increased pain, but is in constant contact with her doctor (thankfully) about these things. I am scared because she blacks-out a lot and I'm not sure what is going on... sadly this is not enough to scare her (will anything be enough?!). She still won't seek treatment. She is working really hard, though, having many bake sales each week, working for the American Cancer Society, volunteering for AIDS project L.A., and writing a lot. It's incredible, how hard she works. I admire her spirit's determination to keep going!

Caron does so much, I just desperately want her to give to HERSELF. But I know "our kind", the eating disordered, we are the most generous people; self-sacraficing and giving. Caron displays this daily. It is imperative that all of us learn to care for ourselves... there is nothing admirable about a dying "mother" (not literally a mother, but a care giver type). None of us receive extra credit for playing saints, until we are good to OURSELVES. Then we feel the rewards, then we can truly give to other people, right? I am so much more helpful now than I was for the seven years I lived in anorexic chains.

I can only imagine what Caron could do if she were free of those chains, too.

Love for all of you...
Lisa

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

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