MentorCONNECT Testimonials

We are grateful to MC members and supportive professionals and activists who share their experiences with the power of mentoring in eating disorders recovery!

There is nothing more isolating than a battle with an eating disorder.  During my recovery from anorexia, I found the most healing of course through therapy, but also through connecting again with people.  Friends.  Family.  Individuals whom I could trust and talk to at any time, whether I was feeling blissfully happy or woefully inadequate.  Letting my guard down and opening up to people; having mentors to guide me and encourage me through the HARD journey of recovery was my saving grace.  One cannot weather the storms of this life alone, especially the darkness of an eating disorder.  MentorCONNECT is a positive and powerful way for individuals and professionals to lift up and support each other when they feel no one else in the world could possibly care.  I congratulate Shannon for all of her hard work in bringing the eating disorders community together and helping people not only to hear the words "You are not alone," but to experience that truth for themselves.  I will be forever grateful to my mentors, and know that thousands will find the love and compassion at MC that they need to recover to health and happiness. -Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008

Which takes more courage --- to suffer alone and remain isolated or to reach out for help? Exactly. Knowing that you need help is wisdom. Doing what it takes to get that help is an act of courage. Shannon Cutts' MentorCONNECT program is here to give you a place to display your courage. -Thom Rutledge, Author of Embracing Fear and co-author with Jenni Schaefer of Life Without Ed

I really feel like I'm starting to grow. I think that the biggest role in my growth has been sharing so openly with my mentor and through the blogs. I'm finally able to get thoughts out of my head and not feel so overwhelmed and bogged down by them. I am starting to be able to recognize my needs. I'm also starting to recognize/ distinguish between the Ed voice and my voice, what Ed wants and what I want. This stuff has been so important for me. I know that I wouldn't be where I'm at without all the support on this site! Thank you so much for being here!!! It's saving my life! -Leslie Ann

This program is amazing. It feels so good to be able to mentor and help someone and possibly make it a bit easier for them. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you are making even the smallest bit of a difference in someone's life. When you have been where they have been, when you have experienced, first-hand, the pain and the frustration and the sorrow, you know what it's like. The greatest feeling is knowing that you are lessening that for someone. You can see the relief from them when you simply say, "I've been there. I get it. It gets better." Being able to help, and being able to use my struggles to better someone else's life is truly as good as it gets. -Jen

MentorCONNECT has been very helpful for me in my recovery journey. After joining, I looked forward to receiving a mentor, and when I did I was amazed at her wisdom and insight. While having the support of a therapist, doctor, and others is very helpful and often necessary, I have found this additional support to be very beneficial. It is great to be able to talk through various issues with someone who’s been through struggles similar to yours. They tend to have a different perspective from those who have never dealt with ED. I also find the weekly online chats to be helpful. They remind me of my recovery goals and equip me with courage to face the challenges of a new week. -Joan

Being on MentorCONNECT has helped me see that there's a lot of people out there that get it and care. MentorCONNECT has really been that missing link for me. It's like I can actually use my skills and everything I've learned [in treatment and with my therapist] because I know I'm supported. When I'm struggling I know I can get online or make a call. I have hope now that I personally know more people that have really recovered. -Katie

I think this is great what you have put together. I think one of the hardest parts of having an ED is the loneliness that comes with it. People without eating disorders do not understand the disease at all and people that are struggling are not the best people to go to lean on. To have a place that you can connect with others throughout the country who are in recovery can really be helpful. For me, having someone to talk to and listen has helped me try and recover more than anything but it is hard to stay on that path during the times that I feel all alone. -A.K.

I have made a connection with a mentee and I think it is going good. I really enjoy helping and I think this is a wonderful program. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it. -Cayce

Although I have a long way to go, I have gained so much already in my recovery, and I feel that I have a lot to offer to others. I love being able to give the gift of hope. -Jessica

One of the biggest pitfalls to a patient relapsing in their recovery is that they discontinue with their treatment. Many of these individuals lack the support to maintain the gains that they have made while being in treatment. MentorConnect provides excellent supplemental support to one’s recovery and treatment team. By providing consistent support, encouragement, and hope, MentorConnect is a unique resource that can truly benefit a person on their recovery journey! -Jennifer Nardozzi, PsyD, The Renfrew Center

I can say that so far being a mentor is an insurance policy in the fact that I wouldn’t even think about relapsing...reason being.......hearing their pain and suffering as they deal with ED. It reminds me what I left behind and saddens me because I want to make it better quick but I can’t; it’s a process. It’s a lot of work but I love it so far. It’s a great addition to my recovery. -Cheryl

I can't tell you the amount of hope I felt when I saw your program! I went right to Barnes & Nobles and bought your book b/c I couldn't wait for it to come through the mail! Thank you so much...this is what I need! Look forward to working your program, being in touch and again THANK YOU so much!!!!! -J.