Rachael Farrokh Refused Treatment By Hospitals For Anorexia: Finally Getting Help
Rachael’s story is absolutely devastating, and first went viral three weeks ago, after her husband, Rod Edmondson, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for her to get to Denver for treatment. The couple beyond-surpassed their goal of $100,000, and have already raised more than $180,000 as of May 26.
But what’s even more shocking than Rachael’s emaciated figure, is what Rod included in the description of the situation: She’s actually tried to get help, but hospitals have REFUSED to admit her.
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“There is only one hospital in the country that specializes in refeeding patients at such a low body weight and it’s my mission to get her there,” Rod said, referring to Denver’s ACUTE Center. “If she receives too many calories her metabolism will kick up and she will lose even more weight. This is a VERY delicate medical situation. Hospitals won’t admit her because she is a liability for them. She doesn’t meet their minimum weight requirement and they don’t have the knowledge or capabilities to save her.”
So sad. Thankfully, the fundraising campaign garnered a lot of attention, and a big step has been taken toward Rachael’s recovery. A home care team has agreed to come to Rachael’s home to get her strong enough to make the trip to Denver, and are currently working on connecting with the doctors at ACUTE to figure out the best way to proceed.
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After learning that she would have a chance at treatment, Rachael took to YouTube on May 25 with an emotional message to those who have supported her.
“I want to thank you all for everything you are doing for us. It’s been so overwhelmingly good in our lives and I actually have a chance to live,” she said, fighting back tears. “It’s been wonderful, and I’m so sorry it’s taken me a bit to get back to you, but what you guys have done has been amazing. And I want to thank you all.”
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Sadly, Rachael still has a long way to go, but seems to have a positive outlook on her future. “It’s going to be a long recovery,” she admitted. “It could be 3-5 years, this is a long process, and it’s longer than I anticipated. But with your support, I know I can do this. And I want to thank you.”
For more information on Rachael and how you can donate, visit her personal GoFundMe page here.
— Alyssa Norwin