National Eating Disorders Association

(New York, April 16, 2008) – Jenni Schaefer, a young woman in Tennessee who has overcome a 20-year battle with anorexia and bulimia to become a well-known motivational speaker, author, singer, songwriter and inspiration to women and girls everywhere, has been appointed to the Ambassador Council of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

As a NEDA Ambassador, Schaefer will continue her travels nationally and internationally, speaking to high school and college students and other audiences, and on national news and talk programs on eating disorders and body image issues. She openly shares her personal story in order to generate awareness of the pervasiveness of eating disorders, and to encourage others to seek early intervention.

Schaefer joins NEDA Ambassadors Paula Abdul (American Idol); Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos); Scarlett Pomers (Reba); model and producer Carre Otis; and author, lecturer and actionist Jessica Weiner, who have all overcome eating disorders themselves and are using their spotlight to reach out to anyone who may be struggling with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder. Also serving as NEDA Ambassadors are model, TV host, author and clothing designer Emme and country singer Sara Evans.

“We welcome Jenni Schaefer into the NEDA Ambassador Council,” said supermodel, author and activist Emme, who chairs the Council. “Jenni is pure inspiration, and can move people to feel good about, nurture and nourish their bodies. She has been a huge asset to NEDA as a volunteer during the past several years, and will be even more so in this highly visible role.”

The author of Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too (McGraw-Hill), Schaefer is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul and its companion Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul: Daily Inspirations (HCI Books). She is a regular guest on the Dr. Phil show and other national television and radio programs. Her work has been recognized in the Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, Shape, The Washington Post, Woman’s World, and more. She writes regularly for nationwide publications. Jenni serves on the Board of the Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee and is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and Academy for Eating Disorders.