How a WithAll Grant Helped Corina Reclaim Her Life

When someone is battling an eating disorder, the emotional and physical toll can be immense. But for many, cost is another barrier that quietly determines whether recovery is possible. 

Corina entered treatment for an eating disorder, but she was also battling another fear—one where she couldn’t afford to stay. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford treatment if it weren’t for the financial support that WithAll has provided me,” she shared.

A WithAll Recovery Support Program grant meant more than just groceries. It meant a chance to heal. This is a story of survival, resilience, and what happens when the support shows up.

Corina, WithAll Recovery Support Program grant recipient

Fear, Grief, and a Body Under Attack

Corina’s struggle with body image began early. Growing up in a Latino culture surrounded by diet culture and unrealistic beauty expectations, she felt shame about her size and began to tie her self-worth to her appearance.

After losing her father to suicide during her teenage years, that shame deepened into despair.

“After my father took his life, I struggled with suicidality and cared little to nothing for myself and my future,” she said. Eventually, Corina stopped eating altogether, losing a drastic amount of weight in under a year.

Her body began to shut down.

“I decided it was better to stop eating because I would look like what people wanted sooner,” she said.

When suicidal thoughts returned, she asked her mother to take her to the hospital. Corina found a treatment center willing to help, but her insurance approval was later revoked due to age restrictions. “I was heartbroken,” she said. “The suicidal ideations returned.”

A staff member encouraged her to start in a lower level of care that her insurance would partially cover. But essential costs like groceries and supportive housing were not included.

With no income and limited support, even the act of nourishing her body felt financially impossible. Between insurance complications and the high cost of groceries, she wasn’t sure she could afford to stay in care.

Her mother did everything she could, even selling jewelry to keep Corina in treatment. But it still wasn’t enough. Recovery was in reach while it was also quickly slipping away.

After the Grant: Hope and a Life Reimagined

When Corina received a Recovery Support grant from WithAll, everything changed. 

“This grant provided me with the financial support I was afraid I would not receive,” she said. “Not having to worry about how I would replace the food I was eating really helped me to focus on recovery.”

Freed from the constant stress of food insecurity, Corina was able to stay in treatment and begin healing, both physically and emotionally.

“Life is now colorful rather than the black-and-white daze I was in,” she shared. “I have never felt this accepting of myself, and I am so thankful for that.”

Today, Corina is finding strength in her creativity, building a future shaped by compassion and self-acceptance. Her hope is to inspire others struggling with mental health through her writing and art.

To those who support WithAll’s mission, she has a simple message: “You are saving my life.”

Your support helps make stories like Corina’s possible. Explore ways to get involved or make a donation today to help someone else take the first step toward recovery.

Just $18 provides one day of groceries to someone with a life-threatening eating disorder. Donate today to help prevent eating disorders and support those in recovery. Your gift fuels our What to Say Initiative and Recovery Support Program.