On Saturday February 25,  Tampa Bay hosted the second annual NEDA walk at Al Lopez park  to help promote eating disorder awareness.  The theme this year was “Everybody knows Somebody” to enforce the prevalence of eating disorders. This year’s walk proved bigger and better than last due to the doubling of money raised and massive turnout of walkers.

This year’s donations of $61,000 almost doubled the donations of $34,000 in 2011. Senior Sophia Baldor won the award for most money raised by an individual totaling $10,185.

The opening ceremony began with an inspirational address by Bailey Monarch, a 19-year-old Tampa native and the event coordinator.  Monarch shared her passion for the NEDA Walk and the awareness that has stemmed from it. She was followed by guest speaker and Bay News 9 anchor Jennifer Epstein, who shared her story and battle with her two-year recovery from bulimia and anorexia.  Lastly, senior Sophia Baldor took the stage to emphasize a message of hope and recovery after staying in good health for four years strong.

To get more involved with The National Eating Disorders Association and potentially coordinate your own walk, visit their website http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/.