Rhonda quite literally saved my life. I walked into Ascension Primary Care in Panama City Beach a year ago, weighing only 88 lbs and hiding an eating disorder that threatened my life. I wasn’t there for help for my disorder, though I had never admitted that I had one to anyone. Instead, I was there because of all the stomach pain and digestive issues I was suffering due to my secret eating disorder.

Rhonda was my nurse that day. I had never met her before, and I haven’t met anyone like her since. She came in and took my vitals, then she looked at me with so much care and understanding in her eyes and asked me if I had an eating disorder. I lied at first, I told her no, I was underweight because of my digestive issues, I ate plenty. I ate so much! She smiled gently, sadly, and said, "Okay." I felt so safe and so seen. In a moment, I told her the truth, and she held my hands as I cried. She asked if I wanted help, and I said, "Yes."

Dr. S ordered bloodwork and it turned out I was so malnourished I was sent directly to the emergency room. Rhonda changed my life, she saved me no doubt; I don’t think I would have ever worked up the courage to ask for help without her. It’s been one year and I’m healthy, happy, and strong. I live a life I couldn’t imagine possible just last year, eating whatever I want, and being full of energy. Every time I see Rhonda now, she hugs me and tells me how proud of me she is; she tells me that she loves me and that I look great, and I believe her.