Local woman recognized for helping people with eating disorders

West Palm Beach - "I started this organization just a little bit over 11 years ago after my struggle with my eating disorders. And as I started to get better, the only thing that made sense  was to give back." Johanna Kandel is the founder of The Alliance For Eating Disorders Awareness in West Palm Beach.

She started the organization to offer hope for women and men struggling with an eating disorder. Johanna said, "Our organization does outreach and education so we go into schools, we go into professional offices. We have a program in which we go into primary care providers, doctors, nurses, dentists and give them information on how to identify, access, diagnose for eating disorders, we also hold support groups."

The organization will be hosting a walk to raise awareness. "The walk is Saturday, January 21st at South County Regional Park. This is the first walk for eating disorders awareness in South Florida and we are purposely doing a walk, not a run to keep it safe for everybody who is struggling."

 The Alliance also hosts other events during the year, including a fashion show. Johanna's passion has been noticed. "Sally Hensen has partnered up with Glamour Magazine to really recognize and honor women that have made a difference in their community. So they created this best of you award, and I found out that I was one of the finalist. Over the next three weeks people are invited to vote for their candidate of choice and the top four women that get the most votes not only will be sent to New York to be honored, but they will appear in the September issue of Glamour magazine."

Sharon Glynn works with Johanna. She nominated her for the award. "By nominating Johanna for this award, not only will she achieve recognition for what she has done, but the Alliance will also receive a charitable contribution and that will assist us in helping make our message get out there to the community."
Offering hope to those who need it.


The Alliance For Eating Disorders Awareness
http://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/

Glamour Magazine voting
http://www.glamalert.com/sally2012/