Did you know that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses? Or that 10 million men and 20 million women develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives?

The issue of eating disorders is an important one that, far too often, gets brushed under the rug or pushed into the shadows. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is the leading U.S. nonprofit organization which provides support to those affected by eating disorders. NEDA advocates for prevention, research, and access to quality care for eating disorders.

Each year, NEDA hosts walks in many states across the country. These walks not only educate affected individuals, their families, and communities as a whole; they also help to fundraise for eating disorder research. Below is a brief video of some NEDA walks from last year, and what they look like.

There are countless reasons to walk, whether you know someone who has been affected by an eating disorder, have struggled with one yourself, or are simply passionate about the cause. The reason I am walking? For my sister, Haley. She is in recovery from anorexia and bulimia, and I could not be more proud of her for seeking help and treatment. I walk so that I can raise money and, more importantly, raise awareness about this pressing issue. I walk so that eating disorders are taken seriously and are no longer the punchline of jokes. I walk because I cannot imagine life without my sister.

This year, my sister Haley is hosting her second NEDA walk. Here are the details:

Venue: College of Saint Elizabeth.

2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.

Date: Saturday, June 25.

Check-in time: 10:30 a.m.

Opening ceremony: 11:30 a.m.

Walk end time: 12:30 p.m.

To register for the walk or to donate, visit www.nedawalk.org/morristown2016.

Registration includes a T-shirt and an Aerie drawstring bag filled with goodies! And your dog can walk with you, too! You can even register your pup for their own NEDA bandana and goodie bag. There will be raffles and giveaways, a photo booth, refreshments, a pre-walk yoga session, and inspirational speakers. It's going to be a truly amazing event, for an even more amazing cause.

Together, we can unite and raise our voices to spread awareness about eating disorders.

Questions? Contact Haley Del Plato (2016 Walk Chair) at hdelplato@colgate.edu or morristownnedawalk@gmail.com.

I hope to see everyone there!