Fight Club Ep. 6 | Sasha Lechtzier

"You are not your eating disorder."

In our sixth episode of the Fight Club, we had the opportunity to drive with Sasha Lechtzier. At 19, Sasha is an advocate for those suffering from eating disorders and hopes that through sharing her struggle, she can help break the stigma and open up the conversation surrounding this disorder. 

Sasha was in grade 8 when she was admitted to the North York General Hospital with acute anorexia and was treated in hospital care for 5 weeks. Mixed with cultural pressures and the obsession of reaching her fitness goals, Sasha was thrown into a world that she never thought she would experience. Through her recovery, she used the desire to be able to attend another summer at camp and passion for improving her health in order to be released from the hospital and move forward with her life. However, when Sasha was in grade 10, she experienced a relapse, and her passion for improving her health was lost. She was overcome with depression and was confused about where her passion for healing her health went. 

Through the loving care and efforts of her friends and family, medical support from nurses, and therapists, Sasha recovered once again. Sasha stresses that this illness, no matter how many years of recovery she goes through, it will always be prevalent in her everyday life. Everyone must understand the malicious demons that eating disorders are and that it does not define who a person is. It's a struggle that Sasha will have to battle through her life, but she is stronger than you think. 

Thank you, Sasha, for allowing us to share your story and opening our eyes to this disorder and how deep-rooted it can be. The support needed for people struggling with these illnesses ' is necessary and important for recovery. If you, or anyone you know, may be suffering in silence, please call the toll-free helpline and instant chat service provided by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Toll-free: 1-866-633-4220 and Toronto: 416-340-4156.

Watch Sasha's full Fight Story on our Youtube: