Document text
Photo by Jim Craven Staff members at Washington Elementary School are raising money to send 10-year-old Annjeanette Whaley of Medford to a camp for people with weight problems and eating disorders. A way to stop the tears School raises money to send girl to a camp for children with weight problems By SUSAN JAY When the teasing starts, Annjeanette Whaley tries to think of funny things so she won't feel the hurt. At 4-foot-8 and 275 pounds, she's the subject of constant name calling from kids, and it has taken its toll. "It makes me feel like I'm going to cry," she said, "but I don't want to, because it's embarrassing." At 10, Annjeanette is morbidly obese. The rare and risky health condition causes problems with breathing, sleeping and walking. To help her turn her life around, staff members at Washington Elementary School are seeking contributions to send Annjeanette to a nine-week summer camp for kids, teenagers and adults with weight problems and eating disorders. On its own, her family couldn't afford the $6,795 fee to send Annjeanette to Camp LaJolla in Southern California. An estimated 80 percent of the kids who go lose weight and maintain their new weight level. Another 60 percent lose more weight after they leave, said Nancy Malone, Jackson school nurse. The camp will help Annjeanette understand the negative effects of her eating habits on her body, Malone said. "We've got to make the connection before she's 380 pounds," Malone said."When you've got a 10-year-old, you can't give up." She said helping Annjeanette change now means avoiding more health problems in the future. "It's very hard to make changes without some help," said Washington school family advocate Sue Koury. "This is a chance for her to save her life." At the camp, Annjeanette will learn skills and information about fitness, behavior modification and nutrition. Parents and family visit for a weekend to learn about healthy eating habits, menus and skills to curb overeating. After camp, counselors call every couple of weeks to talk with campers and add support. Those interested in helping Annjeanette can make a contribution to the Washington Elementary School fund at any Western Bank on behalf of Annjeanette Whaley. Donations are needed before the end of the May because the camp starts June 20. Annjeanette would love to go. "I know that it's going to be fun, and kids aren't going to tease me there because they have the same problems," she said. "I know it will help me lose weight, so I won't get teased no more." Malone and Dr. Paul Matz, Annjeanette's family doctor, say American children increasingly are overweight due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Morbid obesity, however, is rare in children and far more serious. Annjeanette is at extra risk for heart and respiratory problems because of her weight. People are generally considered overweight when they have a Body Mass Index of more than 25 and morbidly obese when they have a Body Mass Index of at least 45. Morbid obesity is usually at least partially genetic, Matz said. Other members of Whaley family also have weight problems, said Jack Whaley, 54, Annjeanette's father. Annjeanette's, however, is the most severe. He and is wife are uncertain what has triggered their daughter's obsession with food and think recent family medical problems may play a role. He said he and his wife have tried to regulate Annjeanette's intake but suspect that she sometimes sneaks in snacks. While he's concerned about her health, worse is seeing his daughter change, Whaley said. "She use to be sweet and loving. She's been so downtrodden she's just become an embittered little girl." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA