![](https://marychristieinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/resource-left.png)
The Mary Christie Foundation has named Blair Ballard, from Boston, Massachusetts as its first Young Voices Award winner.
By sharing her story of coping with an eating disorder during her first semester of college, Ballard demonstrated the power of personal narrative in shedding light on this critical college health issue. She drew on her experience to create a call to action for universities to improve recognition of and treatment for eating disorders on their campuses.
Blair’s article ran in the first issue of the Mary Christie Quarterly under the title “We Need Help Asking For Help.”
The Mary Christie Foundation Young Voices Award are designed to recognize and support emerging leaders who articulate an interesting perspective on a topic related to health and wellness. Four young adults will be recognized each year, and winners will contribute a column to the Mary Christie Quarterly.
“Blair’s courage in sharing her story as a support to others coping with this illness is commendable,” Robert Meenan, president of the Mary Christie Foundation, said. “We are proud to name her as the first of many Young Voices who contribute to the health and wellness of their peers.”
The Mary Christie Foundation is a thought leadership and philanthropy organization dedicated to supporting programs and people that advance the health and wellness of young adults.