As Eliza was approaching her 13th birthday in April, she set forth on a project to raise money for the Eating Disorder Unit through her own Go Fund Me campaign as a way to give back to a program that gave her back her life. This simple act of gratitude turned into a project that raised more than $8,600 for the Eating Disorder Unit. Her courage to share her story raised awareness for the Eating Disorder program at Princeton Medical Center, and offered hope for many others in the community who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders.
“I am so grateful for the Eating Disorder Unit at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center,” says Eliza. “They put so much time and care into helping me recover from a severe eating disorder and really shaped who I am today. I decided to raise money for this amazing facility, so that they can continue to save kids’ lives, especially because they are one of only a few facilities that treat very young kids.”
Seeking professional treatment for an eating disorder is a critical moment on the path to recovery. During a time that can feel hopeless, it is important to know that the Center for Eating Disorders exists at the Princeton Medical Center and welcomes children as young as 8 years old. It takes courage to take the next step forward, but the Center provides the necessary support and care that is needed to facilitate the journey back to health. Eliza’s parents, Shelley and Nafiz Cekirge, have expressed their gratitude for the program. As they were trying to find the necessary help their daughter needed, they quickly learned that not all Eating Disorder Programs treat adolescents under the age of 13. They were relieved to learn that the Eating Disorder Unit at Princeton Medical Center would Eliza and reassured them that she would get the care and treatment she needed without having to travel outside of the state.
Upon learning about this remarkable gift to the Center for Eating Disorders, Arielle Cosgrove, MSS, LSW, a therapist of Eliza’s during her time in the program, said “My wish is that Eliza remain a symbol of hope for all those in eating disorder treatment. Eliza was able to not only overcome a life threatening disease, but do so with the grace and courage to increase awareness and give back to others who are suffering. It was my privilege to have worked with such an extraordinary individual and her dedicated family.”
The Princeton Medical Center Foundation, Arielle, and the entire Center for Eating Disorders are deeply grateful to Eliza for sharing her story, and to the community at large for showing their support to this critical and often not spoken about disorder. The funds raised will directly impact the services offered through the program.
If you are interested in supporting the Princeton Center for Eating Disorders at Princeton Health, please click here.
Any and all fundraising events for the benefit of the Foundation or Princeton Health must be authorized and approved by the Foundation office. Please call 609.252.8710 or pmph-foundation@pennmedicine.upenn.edu for all inquires and questions.