National Author Survived Eating Disorder

National Author Survived Eating Disorder

02/09/2016 

Cheryl Kerrigan will share the moving story of her struggle and recovery from a 25-plus year battle with anorexia on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at SUNY Cortland.

Her talk, “Bringing Recovery to Life,” based on her part-personal memoir, part self-help manual, Telling Ed NO! and Other Practical Tools to Conquer Your Eating Disorder and Find Freedom, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room.

A candlelight vigil sponsored by Delta Phi Epsilon sorority will precede the event. Afterward, books will be available for purchase and signing.

Kerrigan’s presentation is the keynote address for the College’s Body Appreciation Week, which will run from Monday, Feb. 22, to Friday, Feb. 26. Sponsored by the Health Promotion Office, Counseling and Student Development, and the SUNY Cortland Auxiliary Services Corporation, this year’s Body Appreciation Week will feature a series of events pertaining to the circus theme, “It’s a Balancing Act!”

All programs of Body Appreciation Week 2016 are free and open to the public.

The talk also continues the spring Wellness Wednesday Series at SUNY Cortland, a semester-long schedule of speakers, exhibits and workshops designed to help students achieve wellbeing.

Kerrigan will share tools that she personally used to overcome her eating disorder. She will speak from her own experience and will perform a short song that she used as a coping mechanism.

“I hope that if there is anyone in the audience struggling with an eating disorder, they will gain some insight,” Kerrigan said.

In Telling Ed NO!, Kerrigan shares with her readers more than 100 practical tools that she used to overcome anorexia.

“There is not just one place to get all the tools to a full recovery,” she said. “Maybe some of them, one of them or all of these tools will help others in suffering get to a practical recovery.”

Growing up in Massachusetts, Kerrigan remembers struggling with the beginning stages of an eating disorder at age 5. As an early teen, she began a battle with anorexia that would last until her early 30s. In 2006, her family intervened and Kerrigan sought treatment.

In the midst of dealing with her eating disorder, Kerrigan received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Regis College. She began a full-time career in finance. Recently, she has pursued a Masters in Social Work and will graduate in May from Boston University.

Check the College’s calendar for more information about Body Appreciation Week events, dates and times.

For more information about Body Appreciation Week or Wellness Wednesdays, contact Lauren Herman, the College’s health educator in the Health Promotion Office, Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-1, or at 607-753-2066.

Prepared by public relations intern Bethany Lunden

 

 


More News

Students determine fate of European nations. Sort of.

Students determine fate of European nations. Sort of.

SUNY Cortland students gained diplomatic skills in Belgium during a Model European Union project.


Crime does pay for mystery author

Crime does pay for mystery author

Former voice of Red Dragon football Dan Padavona ’91 now pens thrillers.


Cortland professional named to statewide civic engagement initiative

Cortland professional named to statewide civic engagement initiative

John Suarez is one of 10 academics across the SUNY system selected to deepen the role of civil discourse and civic engagement in campus culture.


SUNY Cortland extends admission deadline

SUNY Cortland extends admission deadline

Accepted students now have until June 1 to pay their deposit for the fall semester.


Campus plans Women’s History Month series

Campus plans Women’s History Month series

SUNY Cortland will celebrate Women’s History Month with several events during March.


Cortland men's hockey to play in NCAA first round Saturday

Cortland men's hockey to play in NCAA first round Saturday

Cortland to travel to Plymouth State University in New Hampshire for NCAA men's hockey first round on Saturday.


Cortland to Host Elmira in NCAA Women's Hockey First Round Wednesday

Cortland to Host Elmira in NCAA Women's Hockey First Round Wednesday

The Cortland women's hockey team will host Elmira College in the opening round of the NCAA Division III tournament Wednesday, March 6.


SUNY Cortland restarting male mentorship program

SUNY Cortland restarting male mentorship program

Senior James Escolastico is giving underrepresented students access to brotherhood.


Lieutenant Governor talks service with students

Lieutenant Governor talks service with students

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado visited SUNY Cortland to gain student input for a new statewide initiative.


SUNY Cortland’s ESPN highlight gets assist from alum

SUNY Cortland’s ESPN highlight gets assist from alum

Rob Galm ’17 shines a national spotlight on his alma mater in his work as a content producer at ESPN.