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Body Project hosts NEDA walk

For the first time, Peoria will be hosting a National Eating Disorders Association Walk Saturday, April 9. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event begins at 9 a.m. in Markin Recreational Center.

We are hoping to get 100 people to come out to the walk,” Body Project intern Emma Walser said. “For a first time event, we think that would be pretty remarkable.”

Although this is Peoria’s first NEDA walk, the Body Project works to discuss issues surrounding eating disorders year-round. The organization promotes their “Beyond The Stereotype” campaign at Late Night BU, shows films in February during NEDA week, writes positive messages on sticky notes around campus and more. It is also a resource for information about body image, eating disorders and gender identities.

We try to bring programming to campus to spread awareness of eating disorders every year,” Danielle Glassmeyer, Body Project faculty coordinator, said. “But we’re especially excited about the NEDA walk because it’s the kind of interactive event that can really make people connect with the issue.”

The event costs $15 for students and $25 for non-students. The fee includes speakers for the ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. walk around Bradley’s campus.

NEDA walks raise the crucial funds for this organization,” Body Project Intern Ashley Rodgers said. “NEDA is an organization that supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for the prevention, research and access to quality treatment.”

The association aims to make eating disorders understood as a health care issue through policy advocacy. Eating disorders typically affect both males and females in their adolescence, but body dissatisfaction can last for a whole lifetime.

Many girls and boys affected by this issue may not know how to talk about their personal struggle,” Walser, a senior dietetics major, said. “Without talking about it, people cannot find the resources to start their recovery.”

Companies such as Caterpillar, OSF St. Francis Medical Center and Joy Miller and Associates are supporting the event.

We have been reaching out to businesses in the Peoria area for sponsorships and donations for the walk all semester,” Rodgers, a sophomore dietetics major, said. “Events like these make people more aware by educating them on what exactly an eating disorder entails, as well as raising the crucial funds to aide in the recovery process of eating disorder patients and their families.”

The walk has also gained support from other contributors, including Aramark, Kroger and Party City.

Participants may register online or at the event. The Body Project is hosting the walk around Bradley’s campus. For more information, visit the website www.nedawalk.org/peoria2016.

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