A Charming Idea For Eating Disorder Awareness

Life Without Ed™ sterling silver jewelry was born out of the idea that recovering from an eating disorder (Ed) is a process. To reinforce the recovery process, positive daily reminders of why life is better off lived without Ed are incredibly useful and powerful. To that end, Jenni Schaefer, author of Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too (McGraw-Hill), and Chicago-based jewelry designer, Sue Gillerlain, teamed up to create a two-sided sterling silver charm inscribed with the words, “Life Without Ed.™”

“We developed this charm and ensuing bracelet and necklace together to support recovery from eating disorders and to create a concrete line of defense against Ed,” says Schaefer, who was featured on “Entertainment Tonight” and “Dr. Phil.” “We affectionately call our jewelry line ‘Ed armor.’ Many parents of young women suffering or recovering from eating disorders have also purchased Life Without Ed™ jewelry out of love and support.”

Ten percent of the sale of each Life Without Ed™ charm and Life Without Ed™ bracelet and necklace is donated to the Seattle-based National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to promote awareness, education and helpline support. NEDA’s National Eating Disorders Awareness week—the nation's largest eating disorders outreach effort—is scheduled for the week of Feb. 24-March 1, 2008.

“It’s exciting to see two individuals who are recovering from their own eating disorders able to help others through their passions in jewelry design and writing,” says Lynn Grefe, CEO, NEDA. “We’re delighted to be a part of Sue and Jenni’s Life Without Ed™ jewelry collection.”

The rectangular sterling silver charm weighs 2 grams and is two-sided. On one side of the diminutive charm, a hand-drawn flower, signifying personal growth, is the focal point. On the back of the charm, the phrase “Life Without Ed™” appears along side a smaller flower. Each charm is placed on a sterling silver jump ring along with a single freshwater pearl to symbolize the wisdom, “You do better when you know better.” All charms are cast and finished by hand in the United States. All sterling silver chains are made in the United States.
The sterling silver Life Without Ed™ charm with pearl ($32); sterling silver bracelet with charm and pearl ($56); and sterling silver necklace with charm and pearl ($54) can all be purchased at online at www.sarah-kate.com or www.jennischaefer.com or by calling Sue Gillerlain at (630) 482-9140. Wholesale pricing for retailers is also available.