Seventeen-year-old South Piedmont students Pari Patel and Sophie Vasic have launched a nonprofit organization called LoveEverybody, dedicated to supporting individuals living with eating disorders as well as their loved ones. The organization provides resources, fosters a safe and supportive space, and seeks to raise public awareness while working to reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders.
“We started LoveEverybody because of our own experiences with eating disorders and the impact we saw all around us — among friends, classmates, and even people online,” said Patel. “For such a big issue, there wasn’t enough help or support available. We wanted to create the change that we once needed ourselves.”
According to the Eating Recovery Center, approximately 9 percent of the U.S. population —or nearly 28.8 million Americans — will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders also contribute to roughly 10,200 deaths each year, which is about one death every 52 minutes.
“Eating disorders are often a silent struggle, with symptoms frequently going unnoticed until the situation becomes severe,” Vasic said. “Recovery requires support, and through LoveEverybody, we hope to provide that critical help and serve as a turning point toward healing.”
Since launching the organization, Patel and Vasic have already reached their peers through online campaigns and informal support sessions, connecting students who might otherwise feel alone.
Looking ahead, LoveEverybody plans to expand its support on campus by implementing anonymous tip boxes where students can confidentially reach out for help and by establishing support groups where individuals can connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
The organization is inclusive and welcomes anyone affected by eating disorders, including the family members, friends, and classmates of those struggling with eating disorders. Patel and Vasic hope to inspire the community to recognize that no one has to face these struggles alone.
Through various initiatives, Patel and Vasic aim to build a strong community of awareness, empathy, and hope. Their work reminds the community that no one has to face these eating disorders alone, and that small acts of compassion can spark meaningful change.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, you can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline at 1-866-662-1235 Monday-Friday, 9:00am-7:00pm EST to speak with a confidential therapist for support and resources. SPCC Counselors are available to students for confidential support and can connect students to community resources, and can be reached at counselors@spcc.edu.