NASHVILLE, TN. (Sara Evans Official Website) - Multi-platinum country superstar
Sara Evans has become an official ambassador for the
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it was announced today, during NEDA's 19th annual
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), Feb. 26th – March 4th.
Evans – currently on the road with label mate Brad Paisley for the CMT ON TOUR: TIME WELL WASTED concert series – is best known for her hit songs 'Born to Fly,' 'Perfect,' 'Suds in the Bucket,' 'Cheatin'' and 'A Real Fine Place To Start.' After watching a close friend battle a life threatening eating disorder, Evans, a mother of two daughters, made the decision to devote herself to the cause.
'I am so honored to announce my affiliation as an ambassador for NEDA,' says Evans. 'Thankfully I have never suffered from an eating disorder, but am well aware of our society's obsession with body image. My passion for this cause is much more personal. I almost lost my best friend to anorexia. I am lending my voice as an entertainer, a mom and a friend because I want to bring great awareness to this cause.'
Evans joins NEDA Ambassadors Paula Abdul (American Idol); Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos); Scarlett Pomers (Reba); actress Tracey Gold; model and producer Carré Otis; and author, lecturer and actionist Jessica Weiner, who have all overcome eating disorders themselves and are using their spotlight to reach out to anyone who may be struggling with anorexia, bulimia or other disordered eating. Also reaching out as an ambassador on behalf of NEDA is model, TV host, author, lecturer and plus-sized clothing designer Emme, who has long promoted healthy body image.
Despite busy production and touring schedules, these celebrated women are supporting NEDA fundraisers, speaking at high schools and on college campuses and conducting national media interviews to raise awareness about eating disorders.
'We are grateful for Sara's support and want to thank her for her tremendous caring and commitment,' commented Lynn Grefe, CEO of NEDA. 'Our NEDA ambassadors are amazing and impressive women, not only because of their obvious talent, but because of their unselfish commitment of time and their willingness to share their personal stories with the world in order to help others battling this deadly disease. Their message is that there is hope … and there is help.'
NEDA, headquartered in Seattle, Wash., is the largest not-for-profit organization in the country dedicated to supporting research for the prevention, treatment and cure of eating disorders; supporting state legislative and advocacy efforts for access to treatment; expanding public education and awareness of eating disorders; promoting access and providing referrals to quality treatment for those affected; and providing support for their loved ones. Since the inception of its Helpline in 1999, NEDA has referred more than 50,000 people to treatment and tallies more than 40 million hits annually on its Web site.
NEDAW is the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort. During NEDAW, hundreds of volunteer activists across the country partner with NEDA to bring awareness to the life-threatening issues surrounding eating disorders and to urge individuals in their communities to Be Comfortable In Your Genes. Wear Jeans That Fit the REAL You. The theme for NEDAW 2006 highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors and also calls attention to the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders.
