Welcome to my blog.

My goal is to reach out to other people who are struggling with an eating disorder. I have written a book, “The Oxygen Mask Rule…” with the hope of connecting with, and possibly helping other people like me.

I am starting this blog with the same hope. I want to hear how other people manage their illness, how they survive.

For more than thirty-five years I have been deceived and devoured by the diabolical voice of anorexia nervosa and several crippling illnesses. However, in spite of these hurdles I have lived a life full of adventure, accomplishment and spiritual growth. I have been able to travel the world and live as a foreign exchange student in Turkey, attend The Juilliard School of Drama, enjoy work as an actor for twenty years and finally discover a fulfilling career at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

In order to stay alive I have explored many philosophies of recovery. In recent years I came to understand that being of service to others provided the most comfort and freedom from anorexia. Unfortunately, due to malnutrition I grew too weak to help anyone. I had to admit that if I was not taking care of myself, there was no way I could help anyone else.

This was the genesis of “The Oxygen Mask Rule.” Onboard an airplane, passengers are instructed to make sure their masks are on first before assisting other passengers or children.

If I want to have freedom from my illness and feel the joy of helping others, I have to stand up to anorexia and nurture myself.

I will never be completely free from the clutches of my eating disorder, but my story illustrates how it is possible to be fully engaged in life despite the disease.

My book “The Oxygen Mask Rule: How My Battle With Anorexia Taught Me How to Survive,” is available at Amazon.com.