News

The Truth Project - The Reality of Eating Disorders

Date: 2012-04-24

The Youth Advisory Group to the Eating Disorder Program at St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) officially launched a photo-voice display called The Truth Project: The Truth Behind an Eating Disorder at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery today.

The photo-voice project consists of 72 pictures with descriptive captions depicting the journey of life before, during and after the diagnosis of an eating disorder. The images range from school lockers to nature scenes to a childhood doll. The idea was to grasp a symbol or a moment in time that reflects the thoughts and feelings of a young person impacted by an eating disorder.

Brittany Pennock is a member of the Youth Advisory Group and says, "There is so much stigma and shame behind eating disorders and most people do not understand the true complexity of the illness. The purpose of this project is to raise public awareness about eating disorders through sharing our personal struggles and accomplishments along the journey."

The Youth Advisory Group worked on the project for over a year. Each member contributed pictures and shared the impact of that image in writing. Kerry Bourret is the Team Leader of the Eating Disorder Program at St. Joseph's Care Group. She says, "People may be surprised at the images. They are very powerful and revealing. Expect to come away with a different understanding about eating disorders, their causes and impact, and to find a deep connection with the personal stories.

The photo-voice display will be open for free public viewing at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery from Wednesday April 25th to Sunday April 29, 2012 during regular gallery hours. The Youth Advisory Group is working with the local school boards on planning a smaller display which will travel into the middle and high schools in Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay.