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Elisa’s Story
At the time of her death, Elisa McCall was a vibrant, beautiful 20-year-old college student who had struggled with bulimia and depression for more than seven years. Despite the fun-loving, seemingly carefree image she portrayed to outsiders and friends, Elisa led another life—one filled with fear, self-loathing, anxiety, and depression. At the heart of these self-destructive emotions was bulimia, the all-consuming eating disorder over which she felt she had no control.
Ultimately, when her struggle with bulimia and depression became too great, Elisa took her own life. After her death, her family found her personal journal, which vividly detailed the emotional roller coaster of her last six months of life. It also contained her wish that her story be used to help those facing similar battles. The publication of her journal has inspired many to rally around the cause of combating eating disorders. (To purchase a copy, please see our shop page.)
Rick and Leslie McCall founded The Elisa Project to provide individuals and their loved ones with education and support while increasing community awareness, promoting recognition of the warning signs, encouraging treatment, and providing objective information regarding the availability of appropriate professional services.
Through The Elisa Project, the McCalls hope to share the message that recovery from an eating disorder is possible and that no one should have to suffer or recover alone. This is Elisa’s great legacy.