Teen Bulimia Survivor Shares Story via Video: Provides Perspective on Fighting Eating Disorder

AURORA, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Telling her story of recovery from an eating disorder, model student and star athlete Madi O’Dell had all the appearances of a perfectly composed student. But, she spent years battling the dark secret of bulimia. Madi entered the Children's Hospital Colorado Eating Disorders Unit during her sophomore year in high school to begin treatment for bulimia.

Today, Madi attends college on a soccer scholarship. To inspire others who have eating disorders and to support families and friends who suspect someone they love is suffering, Madi worked together with Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) to create a video series that explains her journey.

Featuring useful information and tips about eating disorders, the video series includes Madi’s teen perspective as well as insight from her mom and her high school counselor and coach. According to kidshealth.org, 1 or 2 of every 100 students struggle with an eating disorder in America. Children’s Colorado hopes the series is well-timed to inspire viewers during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 24 – March 2, 2013) to seek help for themselves or a loved one.

About Children’s Hospital Colorado

Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than 100 years. Founded in 1908, Children’s Colorado is a leading pediatric network entirely devoted to the health and well-being of children. Continually acknowledged as one of the nation’s top ten Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado is known for both its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research, education and advocacy programs, as well as comprehensive everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. Children’s Colorado also is recognized for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Centers and has been designated a Magnet® hospital since 2005. The hospital’s family-centered, collaborative approach combines the nation’s top pediatric doctors, nurses and researchers to pioneer new approaches to pediatric medicine. With urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Metro Denver and Southern Colorado, including its main campus on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Colorado provides a full spectrum of pediatric specialties. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org and connect with Children’s Colorado on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.