MentorCONNECT Joins with the National Eating Disorders Association for the 3rd Annual Virtual Walk, a Social Media-based Awareness and Fundraising Event for Eating Disorders

HOUSTON, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and MentorCONNECT, the first global eating disorders nonprofit mentoring community and NEDA Network organizational partner, are proud to present their 3^rd Annual "Virtual Walk," a worldwide social media-based awareness and fundraising event during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 24-March 2.

Themed "Everybody Knows Somebody", the aim of this weeklong event is to increase acceptance of and support for those with eating disorders and body image issues. An equally important goal is to raise awareness of free recovery resources for those who need support.  This is significant because eating disorders are potentially fatal illnesses that tend to unfold in conditions of silence and secrecy. For most sufferers, the recovery process only begins once the person is able to open up about their struggles to others and receive support.

The 3^rd Annual "Virtual Walk" co-hosted by NEDA and MentorCONNECT offers an interactive, innovative and fun way for recovering persons, their loved ones and the greater community to "walk" via social media in support of eating disorder awareness and recovery. This "Virtual Walk" format makes participation effortless regardless of location, schedule, medical restrictions or family obligations. The only requirement to participate is access to the Internet.*

Virtual Walk contributions support the nonprofit work of NEDA and MentorCONNECT. All donations make it possible for these two organizations to continue providing free recovery support services for another year. Both organizations also want to recognize and thank supporting eating disorder treatment center sponsors Healthy Within, Center for Change and Timberline Knolls whose contributions help to make this year's Virtual Walk event possible.

*Participation is just a click away! Go to www.nedawalk.org/virtual2013

For more information please contact: Alison Smela ([email protected])

More about NEDA
Reaching millions every year, NEDA campaigns for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders. NEDA also works with partners and volunteers to develop programs and tools to help everyone who seeks assistance. www.NationalEatingDisorders.org 

More about MentorCONNECT
MentorCONNECT is the first global eating disorders nonprofit mentoring community. Recovering persons (ages 14 and up) are encouraged to join to receive confidential, non-medical, peer-based individual and group mentoring support. www.mentorconnect-ed.org

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SOURCE MentorCONNECT