Dear Alliance Community,
Today, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders turns 25. 25 years?! Even as I sit here to write these words, I honestly cannot believe it. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I would be here. What began as the most personal of journeys — my own recovery from an eating disorder — has become one of the greatest gifts of my life.
As many of you know, I struggled with eating disorders for over a decade. And yet, despite how much I was struggling and desperately needed help, I never received the intervention and care I truly needed. Even as my health declined, the words “eating disorder” were never spoken — even though at times I fit that stereotypical image of what someone with an eating disorder “looks like.” My family, who had immigrated to the U.S. to have and to give me a better life, never imagined their daughter would struggle with something as basic as food — something they themselves had known the pain of going without. And when I finally asked for help, I was denied access to the lifesaving care I needed because of the cost and lack of insurance coverage.
Those years left me feeling completely alone — isolated by shame, stigma, and silence. It was lonely. It was scary. And at times, it felt hopeless. But slowly, through pieced-together community resources and the kindness of others, I began my healing journey. Along the way, I made myself a promise: if I survived, I would do everything in my power to pay it forward. That promise became The Alliance.
In October 2000, during my last semester of college, I took out a student loan, moved back home to South Florida, and founded The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness — now known as the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. From the start, I vowed to do everything I could so that not one more person would be alone; not one more person would suffer in silence; and not one more family would have to watch the person they love struggle.
In the early days, we were small but full of heart and passion. I worked three jobs for the next ten years to keep the organization going. We survived because of the incredible generosity of our volunteers. Over time, through the dedication of those who shared their stories, the generosity of our supporters, and the tireless work of our staff, facilitators, and volunteers, The Alliance grew. What began as a small grassroots organization has now become a leader in the field of eating disorders and across mental health services.
Today, The Alliance provides 21 free, weekly, therapist-led support groups, attended by upwards of 30,000 participants annually from across the U.S. and around the globe. We run the national eating disorders helpline staffed by licensed clinicians, answering more than 8,000 calls each year. We connect individuals and families with care — with more than 265,000 searches on findEDhelp in 2024 alone — and we advocate at the highest levels for change. These numbers are incredible. But what matters even more are the moments behind them.
When I think about these past 25 years, what stays with me most are not the programs or the numbers — it’s the people. The stories I carry in my heart — of struggle, courage, hope, and resilience — remind me every day why this work matters. I think of someone attending a support group for the first time, unsure if anyone could understand what they’re going through — and then they hear, “me too.” I think of loved ones who call our helpline feeling alone and leave with a glimmer of hope. I think of this incredible community that shows up for one another — celebrating every joy and showing up with compassion during the hardest moments. I think of every volunteer, every facilitator, every supporter who reminds someone that they are not alone. These moments — small, powerful, human — are exactly what The Alliance is all about.
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary people who have carried The Alliance forward. To our incredible team, past and present — you are the heart and soul of this mission. The work you do every day is nothing short of phenomenal, and I am truly lucky to work alongside the very best of the best. To our board of directors, past and present — your wisdom and guidance have shaped every step of this journey. Your belief in this work is why we are still here. To our wonderful support group facilitators, who hold space week after week with such compassion and create a place where healing happens, and to our dedicated volunteers, who give their time and hearts so generously — The Alliance is what it is because of you. To Max, our Mimi, my family, and my friends — thank you for loving me, for standing by me through every peak and valley, and for never, ever giving up on me. I am endlessly grateful. And to you, Annabelle, my miracle girl — you will always be my greatest “why.”
To every person who has attended a support group, called our helpline, donated, advocated, or simply reminded someone that recovery is possible: you are The Alliance. This milestone belongs to all of us.
And yet, we haven’t come this far to only come this far. Eating disorders remain among the deadliest of all mental health conditions, and far too many still struggle in silence. As we celebrate 25 years, we promise to keep doing everything we can to expand access, break down stigma, support individuals and loved ones, educate professionals, and build communities where every person feels seen, heard, and cared for.
So, on this milestone anniversary, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for walking this journey with us. The past 25 years have been extraordinary because of you. Cheers to the next 25!
With love,
Johanna
