Genetics, Birthdays and Anorexia

The potential of understanding a little more about anorexia? Finding genetic links, causes, gosh, dare I even say it, one day, a CURE? 

I've read a little about the international AN25K genetics initiative (ANGI) but when people mention genetics, DNA and science my head spins a little (more) so I won't pretend to fully understand, but I do like the sound of it. (I'll say it again, the possibility of discovering a CURE for an illness that's plagued my life and so many millions of others.)

So, what should we know? Why now? Well, for those of us who were better at analysing a poem than understanding genetics at school, know this. Charlotte's Helix launched today and wants to bring the research project to the UK;  

"The goal is to add at least 1,000 DNA samples from individuals with a lifetime history of anorexia in the UK to this international genetics initiative. Under the direction of Prof. Cynthia Bulik, AN25K has the ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 DNA samples in order to"crack the code" that makes some people predisposed to an eating disorder."

But like anorexia itself, there's much more to it than that. It's complex

What makes this project poignant is the drive to launch AN25K this side of the pond is coming from Charlotte Bevan. A woman whose daughter has suffered from anorexia nervosa. A woman who has been told by doctors that she's only got around six months to live. A woman who has dedicated time to eating disorder advocacy work and supporting others. 

You're probably wondering what birthdays, of all things, have to do with genetic research into a mental illness? Well, if you haven't got pennies to help, how about using your birthday? 

Take a look at this video from Laura Collins Lyster-Mensh from F.E.A.S.T (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of EDs) to find out a little more. But basically, it's a birthday pledge to either send a donation to Charlotte's Helix, spread the word to friends and family or sign up to AN25K. Or all of them. 

I really like this concept and I'll be donating the 15th March. 

However, like any research, this also takes money. The project's being backed by BEAT, who are helping organise the pots of cash and supporters from around the world. 

If you CAN please DONATE HERE or DONATE YOUR BIRTHDAY or if you have suffered, suffer or are battling anorexia, find out how you'll be able to ADD YOUR DNA.

Personally, if a little vile of my recovering over-tested blood can help teach the world a little more about anorexia, I'm in. You never know, one day 'cause and cure' will be obvious to everyone and anorexia will be a hell of a lot less confusing. Even I might understand it. 

Learn more about Charlotte's Helix;
Charlotte's Helix Official Website
Charlotte's 'Chatting and Chuntering' Blog
CH on Facebook
CH on LinkedIN
Follow Charlotte's Helix on Twitter

BEAT, FEAST and other ED advocacy projects, bloggers and charities are linked from my recovery blog;  Dream, Recover, Live.