This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) walk in Lincoln, Nebraska. This was the first NEDA walk that I had ever attended. It was also the first time Lincoln had hosted a NEDA walk. I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for the walk. When I picture walks that support chronic illnesses, I think of thousands coming out to support the cause. I picture Relay for Life or Susan G Komen, events that rally thousands of people and have endless financial support.

Yes, this wasn't my experience at all. In fact, about 100 people attended this event in total. This was shockingly low considering up to 30 million people suffer from eating disorders.

While the attendance was low. The spirit and love was incredibly high. The moral support that was at this walk was amazing. Women and men came to support a cause that affects so many. I appreciated that this walk only consisted of 100 people. It made the experience intimate and real. I was able to talk to men and women who have gone through this battle.

Two women shared their stories about their battle with eating disorders. Local nurses, therapists and dietitians came out to provide support and give contact information. It was an entire event mean to foster hope and love.

I feel blessed to have been able to be apart of this walk in the beginning stages. I look forward to going to this walk in the coming years and seeing how it grows. This was the first time in my life that I felt emotional attached to a walk like this. I loved seeing that strangers were willing to support a cause emotionally and financially.

Going to this NEDA walk gives me hope that maybe one day, men and women will not have to suffer from eating disorders.