What is your most significant accomplishment?

I have this recurring image of standing outside a glass door, watching life happen all around me, wanting desperately to join in but unable to move. You opened the door, took my hand, and gave me my life back.” I could relate to what Kristen described. I was diagnosed with an eating disorder in 2007 and entered a residential treatment center in 2010. Less than two weeks later my insurance denied coverage; I was forced to leave. I watched my options for recovery through a glass door, unattainable without insurance, as they were for 90% of individuals with eating disorders.

Determined to make a difference, I worked with a local treatment center to start my own non-profit relapse prevention group “LYBL". I recruited a “treatment team” of physicians, therapists, and dieticians, to provide relevant and impactful pro-bono care. Together, we have treated over 60 individuals since our inception in 2010 and our relapse rate of 30% is significantly better than average. Consequently, LYBL is now the recommended next step in treatment for four of the largest treatment centers in San Diego.

Additionally, I have been invited to deliver lectures at treatment centers, discussing my own struggles and highlighting resources available through my program. Opening myself up in these large forums has given me the confidence I need to succeed in the future. But most importantly, knowing I have helped even one person regain the strength to live is my greatest accomplishment.