Raising Awareness

Psi Chi Unites With Eating Disorders Alliance

By Kelly Marmo

Copy Editor

Psi Chi, the international honors society in psychology, and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness (AEDA) recently hosted a fundraiser in Boca to raise awareness about eating disorders. 

The Psi Chi student organization advertised the AEDA event across campus. Roughly 30 people attended the walk, including Lynn students and faculty. The walk raised roughly $60,000, reaching the goal of the fundraiser.  

“Eating disorders affect so many people in unique ways,” said Hannah Hlavacek, junior. “Much of this fundraiser was about breaking the stigma associated with eating disorders and the demographic they affect.”

Along with the walk, the event included guest speakers and other activities for attendees to enjoy. Those in attendance were encouraged to write their personal experiences on banners. Each individual also decorated bags that shared uplifting and positive sayings as well.

“At the end of the event, they had scales that everyone signed for those who have struggled with these disorders,” said Ashley Hayden, senior and Psi Chi International treasurer. “They then allowed attendees to take a bat or mallet and hit the scale to destroy it.”

Whether those in attendance were struggling from an eating disorder or supporting those with an eating disorder, the fundraiser brought awareness to people of all ages, races, genders, sexualities and ethnicities.

“Everyone is beautiful in their own way,” said Hayden. “The number on the scale should not matter because you are important and you do matter.”

Bringing together those with first-hand experience and others with a heart for the disorder, the event allowed individuals to unite in support of those currently struggling in similar circumstances. 

“I was surprised to see so many mothers there with their children wearing a red-beaded necklace,” said Hlavacek. “[The necklaces] symbolized that they are battling or have overcome their own eating disorder.”

Psi Chi International hopes to organize more events like the AEDA fundraiser in the near future, with a goal of raising awareness for important causes and fighting for change. More information can be found at psichi.org.

Kelly Marmo

Kelly Marmo is a sophomore majoring in communications and design. Marmo has a love for journalism, advertising and public relations, which all led her to become a member of iPulse. Outside of iPulse, Marmo’s interests include music, exercise and photography.

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