WATCH ABOVE: After six years of watching her teen battle anorexia, a former Calgary mom will run 300km in a bid to help her daughter fight the devastating disease. Heather Yourex reports.
CALGARY – Seventeen-year-old Savannah is Sandy Henry’s only daughter. Henry describes her as a beautiful, creative, goofy teen, who for the last six years has struggled with mental illness.
The family has fought for Savannah’s recovery, seeking treatment in Alberta, British Columbia, and even privately in Arizona. Every time, small steps forward gave way to larger steps back.
“It was devastating. We had such high hopes each and every time she went into a facility.”
Nine months ago, Savannah began receiving treatment at a private clinic in Europe and so far, Henry says her daughter is responding well. Paying for the expensive treatment has been challenging for the family, so Henry is preparing to run 300 km in order to raise money for her daughter’s care.
“I felt like a bit of a failure not being able to get my daughter to eat, so it’s kind of like I can’t get my daughter to eat, but I can walk 300 km.”
Psychologist Kristin von Ranson, a University of Calgary professor who specializes in eating disorder research, says many families struggle to access eating disorder treatment in Canada.
“I think there’s pretty good agreement that we need more treatment options. It’s wonderful that we have the Calgary Eating Disorder Program, but it’s not a large program…and people have to wait quite a while to get treatment.”
READ MORE: Fears grow as wait lists for eating disorder treatments lengthen
Henry plans to run and walk from her home in Fairmont, B.C. to Calgary between June 25 and July 4.
Anyone wishing to support her during the journey can donate online at the Saving Savannah site here or at Gord’s Running Store in Calgary. WestJet has donated two tickets anywhere they fly as an incentive to donate: People who donate $25 will receive one entry into the draw, and people who donate $100 will receive five entries.
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