Story of woman battling severe anorexia goes viral after plea for help
Rachael Farrokh's plea for help with severe anorexia went viral across the Internet, and more than $100,000 in donations poured into her GoFundMe page. Credit: Facebook
A California woman battling severe anorexia for more than 10 years took to social media in April seeking help with her disorder.
Rachael Farrokh, 37, of San Clemente, Calif., asked for financial assistance to treat her disorder, which has caused her weight to go from 125 pounds to a shockingly low number that she asked not to be disclosed, according to ABC News.
"My name is Rachael. I need your help," Farrokh said in a YouTube video. "I'm suffering from an eating disorder, and it's a very severe kind of anorexia. This is a psychological disease followed up with biological pains and sufferings that goes along with it."
Farrokh and her husband, Rod Edmondson, created a GoFundMe page seeking donations, along with a Facebook page highlighting Farrokh's disease and struggle.
According to Edmondson, only one hospital in the country is willing to accept Farrokh, with other hospitals refusing to admit her "because she is a liability for them."
"She is at a critical point," Edmondson said on their GoFundMe page. "She has had multiple blood transfusion[s], blood clots, edema and has suffered heart, liver and kidney failure already. Her days are limited if we don't take action immediately."
As of Sunday afternoon, the page has raised more than $170,000 -- surpassing the goal of $100,000 in less than a month.
"I'm not the one to ever ask for help, but I need your help. We need your help. Otherwise I don't have a shot, and I'm ready to get better," she said.
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Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
