I was adopted at birth by two loving parents, and I had a beautiful childhood. But everything changed when I was bullied in middle school and started eating to cope. While my mother wanted to talk about feelings, my father would take me out to dinner, and food became my emotional anchor. I didn't notice the weight creeping on; it felt like I just woke up one day overweight. I even had medical conditions requiring me to avoid certain foods, but I couldn't stop eating them, no matter how hard I tried.

High school brought some improvement through sports and socializing, but I also tried dangerous diet pills that sent me to the emergency room. I first heard about Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) at 15, but I didn’t want anything to do with it until I hit my top weight of 185 pounds at 22 years old. I was so desperate and knew I needed help.

My addiction went beyond food. I stole, cheated, and accumulated debt, all of which I believe were connected to being an addict. FA and the Twelve Steps changed everything. I became employable and got out of debt. FA supported me through pregnancies, postpartum challenges, cancer, surgeries, and the pandemic – all while staying abstinent.

Today, I am a working artist, married, and raising two children, living an incredible life. I identify as gender-queer, and FA gave me the tools to show up fully as myself – authentic, confident, and free. I cook healthy food for my family, care for my body and mind, and embrace each day with joy, balance, and connection. I came to FA to change my relationship with food, but what I truly gained is the most extraordinary gift: the freedom to be exactly who I am.