I’m going to be completely honest here: I have friends and others who are working out the details of a fundraising campaign to help me cover the costs of necessary medical procedures that insurance will not cover. Similarly, I’m still struggling to repay debts associated with treatment and my own eating disordered history.

But I also know that there are times when even a little bit of help and support goes along way. And I believe in helping others – even when I’m struggling (more than I’d like to admit) and asking for help for myself.

So I saw this campaign to support a young woman whose insurance company will cover the costs of treatment, but who is struggling to cover the costs they won’t cover.

Eating disorder treatment isn’t cheap – any of us who’ve been there will tell you that and anyone struggling who can’t get their insurance companies to pay for the help they need to keep fighting, learn new tools, and stay alive (who’s unlikely to believe they deserve treatment) will as well. When the much needed care and treatment is available and the insurance companies are willing to do their part, it’s difficult to sit back and simply watch someone struggle to accept that help because there’s rent to be paid, utility companies that need their money, and other obligations to be met.

$3,000 isn’t much. In fact, the campaign just launched yesterday, and is more than half way to reaching it’s goal.

Please don’t look at that as an opportunity to do nothing. If you have an extra $5 – or are willing to skip a daily latte – or you have an extra $50 or more, please consider donating. Each time we come together as a community, each time we stand behind others who are where we’ve been, I’d like to believe we’re able to change the world for the better.

Keep in mind, I won’t judge anyone for not contributing. No one who does earns a gold star or anything more than the satisfaction that they were willing and able to put themselves out there for someone who really needs the support.

I chipped in 10 bucks. On some levels, that’s more than I could comfortably afford on the path between here and reaching my goals. But it’s because of one simple reason: I know that those who are supporting the recipient genuinely believe in her and her ability to succeed. And I know that supporting anyone who’s willing to do the hard work that recovery requires is always worth the effort.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation or helping to spread the word. We are a community, and we’re stronger together: http://www.giveforward.com/theantproject.