The weight of bullying and social media body standards began to greatly impact Kendall’s mental health in middle school. She started showing symptoms of an eating disorder — something she faced quietly until the winter of 2022, when a bout of COVID-19 highlighted her need for care. Alongside typical COVID symptoms, Kendall’s lips were losing color, and her heart rate was fluctuating dramatically. Her mother, Tara, took her to the pediatrician, who referred Kendall to Children’s Hospital Colorado. Here, doctors quickly recognized that Kendall’s heart issues were likely symptoms of anorexia nervosa. At first, Kendall had a difficult time accepting her condition and treatment. But once she began growing healthier, it got easier to see herself in a new light. During her time in our Eating Disorder Program, she engaged with many types of therapy that helped her regain physical strength and form a better relationship with eating and food. Through the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program,...