I was a “normal” weight until around three years old when I became “chubby.” I was the second child born in my family and my sister and I were loved and cherished. I was a cute little girl with curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes. I was born a healthy weight of just over seven pounds. In fact, I can honestly say that it was brutal and something that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. I am going to share a little of my personal story growing up with childhood obesity.Īs an obese child, life was very hard. Obviously it is a topic that several of your ACORN staff wanted to write on, and I am no exception. I hope you have enjoyed our emphasis on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. It’s a great time to recommit to your program, and I would love to see you there. I am heading to Florida soon (won’t feel so much like Fall there) as we have a Primary Intensive starting October 6 th. I believe that as a recovered food addict it is my obligation to share this message! Let’s make sure kids today aren’t robbed of this life because the adults around them don’t know about food addiction and the proper treatment.
Keep reading to hear Mary’s heart wrenching story of a young girl who missed out on a happy, joyous childhood as no one in her life knew there was a way out, no one knew there was a clear path to recovery…a path to a life that every child on this earth deserves. In Mary’s case we also get to see a miraculous recovery…let’s continue to share our stories of pain and recovery in hopes that young people no longer need to suffer the ugly consequences of compulsive eating and food addiction. These blunt statements can be hard to read, however we must face the reality and not turn a blind eye. Mary talks about how in the third grade she already weighed more than many of her teachers and that she started praying that she would die as the pain was far too much to bear as a young girl. What a beautiful time of year!!Īs we continue to highlight Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, our amazing and brilliant Mary, shares her story (see below) of growing up as an obese child and the lifelong scars that the bullying and oppression she suffered have left. I am currently in New Jersey having just participated in the “A Vision 4 You” OA conference – which was truly amazing, inspiring and hopeful – where the leaves are falling and changing colours (that’s Canadian for colors). Wow, I can’t believe we are in the third week of September already…I was a little shocked when I looked at the calendar today and realized we are only 3 weeks away from Thanksgiving (don’t panic, I am talking about the Canadian Thanksgiving).
Mary’s Story – Childhood Obesity Awareness Month