Our Volunteers
In 2023, seven young women from Strasbourg, each having faced EDs, came together to create an association to support others suffering from those disorders. Since then, we’ve grown and welcomed new members. Let’s meet the team!
Elodie, President and Founder of the Association
I’ve always loved learning, especially about the body, sports, and nutrition. I’m passionate about street art and consider myself insightful and ambitious, although I can sometimes be impatient and anxious.
In 2020, during the lockdown, I suffered from severe anorexia that led me to a two-month hospitalization. Now recovered, I decided to turn this struggle into strength by creating this association to support individuals affected by eating disorders (EDs) as well as their loved ones.
As president of TCAkéso, I manage the association’s operations and contracts, aiming to provide caring support and valuable resources to those in need.
My best advice for a long-term recovery ?
Step out of your comfort zone and find a motivation stronger than the illness.
Why did I found TCAkéso?
I wanted to build everything I wish I had access to during my own recovery so that others could go through their recovery more peacefully.
Marie, Secretary General of the Association
Passionate about piano, reading, and swimming, I’m a serious and persistent person, although I can be shy and sometimes impatient.
My battle with eating disorders began in ninth grade, when I started to struggle with anorexia. After being hospitalized for six months, I managed to return to a relatively normal life in high school. However, after a family tragedy I started to suffer from bulimia, then I spent my teenage years switching between anorexia and bulimia. It was only in university that I finally found some stability again and began to enjoy my life as a young woman.
My best advice for a long-term recovery ?
Find a real reason to recover, for yourself and not for others. Being well supported is also essential.
Why did I join the association?
I wanted to join TCAkéso to help people going through the same struggles that I faced while raising awareness among young people about EDs.
Léane, Treasurer
I’m passionate about cinema, writing, fantasy literature andart in general. I’m a curious and honest person, but I can also be impatient.
My journey with eating disorders started at 15 with anorexia and an exercise addiction. It leads me later to a six-month hospitalization. Now recovered, I decided to move forward by directing my first documentary about the relationship between a mother and her daughter suffering from anorexia.
My best advice for a long-term recovery ?
Find something to fight for, a passion, a dream, or a loved one. Something that drives you to move forward despite the challenges.
Why did I join the association?
I want to use my experience to help others, support patients in understanding that they are not alone, and guide their families through their struggles.
Kenza, Adapted Physical Activity Manager and Physiotherapist
I started to experience EDs around age 12, alternating for years between restrictive anorexia and bulimia. In 2020, I began realizing this wasn’t a lifestyle, but a real illness. I never received proper support and mostly recovered on my own, which is far from ideal. I later struggled again with bulimia and occasional binge eating until 2023.
Why did I join the association?
I want to directly support people affected by EDs. If I can help through my personal experience and potentially as a physiotherapist, then I have to try.
Maya, Newsletter Team
I love learning and trying out new things, like singing recently and I have a strong interest in psychology. Determined and empathetic, I tend to be too hard on myself.
In 2021, I began my fight against anorexia, which led me to a two-month hospitalization. Returning to my passion, rhythmic gymnastics, was my motivation to recover. Today, I’m doing much better and am nearly fully recovered!
My best advice for a long-term recovery ?
Set a goal you can achieve through recovery and find a therapist who truly understands you.
Why did I join the association?
To help people who have gone through similar pain as me. I love being part of new projects, and mental health is a subject I’m passionate about and believe should be talked about more openly.
Jade, Partnerships & Events Manager
In my youth, I suffered from untreated EDs. The diagnosis was only recently confirmed, and I am currently relapsing. I’m now receiving proper care and truly want to recover for good.
Why did I join the association?
I want to support individuals with EDs and their loved ones in the recovery process, and show them that they are not alone. I also want to raise awareness so that EDs are better understood.
Fara, Events Team
Since childhood, I’ve had a complicated relationship with food. I had to watch my weight due to being overweight, yet I was also finding refuge in food. My connection to EDs is also rooted in the experiences of my close friends and family who already suffered from those. Now, I still occasionally experience binge eating episodes.
My best advice for a long-term recovery ?
Accept that healing takes time, be patient with your body and mind. Find a passion that allows you to thrive beyond appearance.
Why did I join the association?
I helped create this association to build everything I wish I had during my own healing journey.
Julie, Newsletter Manager
Due to chronic anxiety that I couldn’t manage, caused by PTSD, I suffered from anorexia and exercise addiction. I’m now on my path to recovery.
Why did I join the association?
I’m committed to mental health. I want to fully recover and help others do the same. Being part of the association also enriches my professional practice, as I need to be able to recognize EDs and guide patients toward proper care.
Eline, Instagram Account Manager
I haven’t personally suffered from an eating disorder, but several people close to me have.
My favorite activities?
Hiking and board games! I’m also particularly interested in psychology. Although I haven’t suffered from an ED myself, it’s a cause close to my heart because several loved ones are affected by it.
Why did I join the association?
It’s important to me to give my time to a cause I care about. EDs are a major issue and information about those disorders should be accessible for everyone. I’m glad to help and make meaningful connections.
Noémie, Nurse
After going through a difficult period in my personal life, I started gaining a significant amount of weight, which made me feel insecure about my body. I’ve gone through phases of strict dieting and phases of completely letting go, where I didn’t really pay attention to what I was eating. I’ve managed to partially accept my body thanks to my boyfriend and my friends, who are aware of my journey.
My passions: Cooking, music, coloring, and walking.
Why did I join the association?
To take action and support people affected by eating disorders, to help them, and raise as much awareness as possible. I also want to put my nursing skills to good use.
Louna, Newsletter Team
I’ve been affected by eating disorders for about ten years, following a high-level gymnastics career that left its mark on me. Today, I’m almost fully recovered, but I’m still a bit fragile.
My passions? Early childhood, sports, dancing, and yoga!
Why did I join the association?
Knowing how hard it is to live with this illness, it’s important for me to take action for this cause. I’m eager to help this association grow so we can raise awareness and support as many people as possible.
