Barbara has lived all her life in the Rochester area and has a lakehouse on Keuka Lake. She raised 3 daughters, one who was diagnosed with anorexia at age 11 in 1969. At age 88 Barbara has experienced the impact of alcoholism, mental health issues and anorexia/bulimia, starting when her youngest daughter was 5 years old, all during a time when NO ONE was talking about any of it. Barbara’s youngest daughter was exhibiting behaviors that seemed very different from her other daughters; she consulted their doctor; this was the beginning of a lifetime of struggles. At this time, she also shared her concerns about her oldest daughter’s loss of weight, change in mood and refusal to eat. The doctor told her to not delay, to take care of it right away. This was to be a journey that she knew nothing about, she and her husband were scared and felt very alone. Their daughter did recover; what is fascinating is, they consulted a psychiatrist who took the lead and supported this family; 30 years later this might not have been the case, fast forward to today; where psychiatry is beginning to become much more involved in treatment and diagnosis.

Our Hosts: · Linda and John(Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022, in memory of their daughter, Emilee, which provides peer support groups and social connection for adults with eating disorders and their loved ones. In addition, they speak at schools, colleges, and conferences to educate our community about the serious nature of eating disorders.

For more information go to: www.TheEmileeConnection.com They authored the book, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish, to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated.


Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: www.Kmbforanswers.com

Books
Paperback: and Kindle:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X ·
Audiobook:https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/B08R6LRPDS They can also be reached through the book website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.com or at Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com