Dear Friends and Family,
I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a happy and blessed 2009. All of you have been in my thoughts and prayers over the past few months. I wanted to give everyone an update on what I have been up to. I have been working hard on my personal recovery and my life is a true miracle and blessing from God. Many have considered 2008 to be one of the most difficult years of my young life. However, I see it in a much different light. Though it was by far the toughest of years for me, and I found myself falling on my face repeatedly. It was a year of true growth and purpose.
My anorexia nervosa and substance abuse is a thing of my past and a part of my life, though it will never define me as a person or a Bergstrom. If anything, it has given my life balance, true meaning and purpose. I am healthier than I have ever been, both mentally and physically. I am also more spiritually connected than I have ever been. So I am writing this letter with a smile on my face and love in my heart. I wanted to thank everyone personally for their amazing love, support and prayers. I have been praying for each of you on a regular basis. I have been told by many that I have accomplished a lot in the past year in the field of eating disorders. This is not a surprise because I am a Bergstrom, and we get things done. However, there is still much work to be done, and I will continue to acquire the help from other great people/organizations to make a real difference. We can and will never give up! My story is going to be published (my first publication) next month in Hagerstown Magazine, and might be in GQ Magazine in the coming months. People have used the words to describe my work as being a hero and a rock star. However, I just see it as me being “Patty.” I give all the glory to God, and know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the amazing support from my family and friends. I am now very humble and enjoy the simple things in life. I was broken but never defeated, and giving up was never an option for me. My parents have been a true blessing in my life, my career, and my recovery. Dad and I still butt heads frequently but it is only out of love and fun.
I have now turned my outreach program (www.ichosetolive.com) into an LLC, and am running my own support organization. My program is based on creative athletic principles and stands to make a huge impact in the world we live in today. I do understand that not everyone is affected by an eating disorder, but everyone can relate to the pressures of body image and failure. For me I Chose To Live, simply means I wake up every day, and live better than the previous. Nothing will ever be perfect but striving for excellence is more than attainable. I now live my life for others and fight to help those who are still struggling in silence. I have recently organized an Eating Disorder Awareness College Campaign where I will be traveling all over the country and speaking to college students and athletes. The tour kicks off at the University of Maryland on February 16th. In late February, I will be in Atlanta, Georgia speaking at 3 universities, and a private high school. (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, etc) From there I will be traveling on to Texas and then off to Long Beach California. I was invited to speak on a panel in California for The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Conference. Apparently, this is a really big deal, though I am just excited to be able to help in any way I can. Here is the link for the California event if anyone is interested. http://iaedpsocal.com/index.html
While in California, I will also be visiting one of the top treatment centers, and speaking to those patients in treatment. From there, I will be visiting other colleges and campuses throughout March and April. I have also designed I Chose To Live bands to market my organization and to provide awareness and education. You can check the bracelets out online at www.ichosetolive.com (I would love to send everyone a bracelet) My goal is to be able at some point to help others who can’t afford the needed treatment they so deserve. I have also joined up with the major eating disorder non-profits in the U.S. and will be working with them on organizing and participating in events to raise awareness and funding. The one organization that I fully support is the FREED Foundation, which helps those who can’t afford treatment. I will be in NYC next weekend for a benefit concert to help this organization. I am staying very busy and working on building a great and successful future. I am happier than ever, and truly blessed to have such a loving a supportive family. Thank you guys! I also took a lot of time off from the dating scene until I felt confident and healthy. I recently joined eHarmony, which really isn’t my style, but I was convinced by Ryan and Melissa. So apparently it works, as I met an awesome Christian girl, Candace, who I am now dating. She lives in Pittsburgh, and is an accountant. She is quite intelligent and very driven. She also supports what I am doing which is such a blessing. God truly works in mysterious ways and I am so fortunate and excited about this new journey in my life. Thank you again for all the love and support. May your 2009 be filled in abundance with love, joy, good health, and peace!
God Bless,
Patty
patrickb@ichosetolive.com
www.ichosetolive.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
"We Chose To Live" ANAD Support Group
ANAD Western Maryland Eating Disorder Support Group--
"We Chose To Live" is an open support group for those struggling with eating disorders and for there friends and family. The group is based off of the experiences of those whom have been through treatment and understand that there is great strength in numbers. Patrick, the group leader went to treatment at Canopy Cove, and there are others who have been to centers such as Remuda Ranch, Renfrew, and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Join us in the fight for recovery and to experience the joy of life free from eating disorders. We did not choose this fate, but you can choose to recover. Recovery is a process, but it is very possible.
Together we can recover life.
Support Group
Every Tuesday 7pm-9m
Located at Transitions LLC
20 N Broadway St
Hagerstown, MD
Contact: Patrick patrickb@ichosetolive.com
For Love, Life, and Liberty from ED!
Choose to Live!
"We Chose To Live" is an open support group for those struggling with eating disorders and for there friends and family. The group is based off of the experiences of those whom have been through treatment and understand that there is great strength in numbers. Patrick, the group leader went to treatment at Canopy Cove, and there are others who have been to centers such as Remuda Ranch, Renfrew, and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Join us in the fight for recovery and to experience the joy of life free from eating disorders. We did not choose this fate, but you can choose to recover. Recovery is a process, but it is very possible.
Together we can recover life.
Support Group
Every Tuesday 7pm-9m
Located at Transitions LLC
20 N Broadway St
Hagerstown, MD
Contact: Patrick patrickb@ichosetolive.com
For Love, Life, and Liberty from ED!
Choose to Live!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Join I Chose To Live
I Chose To Live Support--
Join I Chose To Live--
I am currently looking for others that have or are recovering from an Eating Disorder and share the same passion I have to give back and help others struggling with this disorder. My goal is to reach out all over to set up support groups nationwide. I am also looking for passionate people who are looking to speak out and fight the negative stigma associated with Eating Disorders. Feel free to contact me via email to share your insight, story, and personal experiences with ED. I truly believe that by speaking out and uniting each other on one front to fight back, then we can truly help each other overcome this destructive and isolating disorder.
For 21 years of my life, I lived with out ED, and I also lived for myself. I had to be the best at everything I did, and was always searching for something. I can now honestly say I have found what I was looking for. Faith and the strength in our Lord and Savior. I Chose To Live with God and hope that all I do from hear on out will give great glory to his eternal kingdom. I am nowhere close to being beyond my disorder, but I made the decision after a 4 year battle with ED to move forward into the light of a better life. If you share in this same passion, please contact me. I would love to hear from you and have you on the team that fights for love, life, and liberty from ED....
We all have the opportunity to live, and we all have a choice to make. We can either exist or fight to live. You deserve to be free from this ED monster and there is so much strength in friendship and love. I fail on a regular basis, but I get back up and keep fighting. This disorder does have the power to defeat us if we stand alone, but if we unite, there is HOPE and LIFE. Will you stand with me and fight this monster and fight the stigma that stands to outcast us all. Yes, we are different in many ways, yet there is one main reason we are separted from many. We care for others before we think about how it will affect us. WE CARE ABOUT YOU!!
This is my passion and I love what I do. I have met so many amazing people since I chose to live. Yes, I did get treatment for an ED, and yes I am a male athlete recovering from a disorder that in our society, is labeled as a female problem. Yes, my fiance' did walk away, and Yes most people don't understand me. But I am alive, and fighting back. We can overcome this. I have friends all over the world now, and you all are my teammates in life. Keep fighting for recovery and you ARE NEVER ALONE....
For Love, Life, and Liberty
Patrick
patrickb@ichosetolive.com
Join I Chose To Live--
I am currently looking for others that have or are recovering from an Eating Disorder and share the same passion I have to give back and help others struggling with this disorder. My goal is to reach out all over to set up support groups nationwide. I am also looking for passionate people who are looking to speak out and fight the negative stigma associated with Eating Disorders. Feel free to contact me via email to share your insight, story, and personal experiences with ED. I truly believe that by speaking out and uniting each other on one front to fight back, then we can truly help each other overcome this destructive and isolating disorder.
For 21 years of my life, I lived with out ED, and I also lived for myself. I had to be the best at everything I did, and was always searching for something. I can now honestly say I have found what I was looking for. Faith and the strength in our Lord and Savior. I Chose To Live with God and hope that all I do from hear on out will give great glory to his eternal kingdom. I am nowhere close to being beyond my disorder, but I made the decision after a 4 year battle with ED to move forward into the light of a better life. If you share in this same passion, please contact me. I would love to hear from you and have you on the team that fights for love, life, and liberty from ED....
We all have the opportunity to live, and we all have a choice to make. We can either exist or fight to live. You deserve to be free from this ED monster and there is so much strength in friendship and love. I fail on a regular basis, but I get back up and keep fighting. This disorder does have the power to defeat us if we stand alone, but if we unite, there is HOPE and LIFE. Will you stand with me and fight this monster and fight the stigma that stands to outcast us all. Yes, we are different in many ways, yet there is one main reason we are separted from many. We care for others before we think about how it will affect us. WE CARE ABOUT YOU!!
This is my passion and I love what I do. I have met so many amazing people since I chose to live. Yes, I did get treatment for an ED, and yes I am a male athlete recovering from a disorder that in our society, is labeled as a female problem. Yes, my fiance' did walk away, and Yes most people don't understand me. But I am alive, and fighting back. We can overcome this. I have friends all over the world now, and you all are my teammates in life. Keep fighting for recovery and you ARE NEVER ALONE....
For Love, Life, and Liberty
Patrick
patrickb@ichosetolive.com
Monday, July 21, 2008
To My Family and Friends--
Thank you to all who have stood beside me these past 4 years.
As most everyone now knows, for the past few years I have been fighting a battle with both my mind and body. Yes, I suffered from anorexia nervosa and it has made me who I am today. God works in mysterious ways, and I have now found my passion in life. "I Chose To Live"
My mission now is to speak out about eating disorders, self image and educate everyone. Many people may judge me on this journey but my faith in God and the support of my family and friends are my strength. Thank you so much Mom, Dad, Ryan, Erin, and Melissa. You guys got me through the toughest battle of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and have been blessed with an amazing family!
Matt, Troy, Billy, Sam, Kevin and to all my friends--
Thank you for standing beside me when most chose to run. You guys helped save my life and you keep me moving forward. I greatly appreciate all the support I have received and I am so blessed to have such strong and real friends.
Jen and Clare--
Thank you for getting me through treatment and opening my eyes to love, life, and faith in God. You both played a major part in transforming me back to the real Patty. I consider you both as sisters, and I will never forget either of you. Stay strong and I am always here for you both. You are both part of the reason I am reaching out to help others. You are two awesome souls.
My recovery will not be perfect but I know the support of my family and friends will keep me moving forward into the light of greatness. I would not be here today, honestly, if it wasn't for each and everyone of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and I will continue to fight this and will have a full recovery. I am so honored to know all of you. God Bless and stay strong.
To High Rock Studios www.highrockstudios.com
Thank you for doing a fantastic job in creating my website. You and your staff have made it possible for me to reach so many people. Thank you also for supporting I Chose To Live. I couldn't have accomplished what I have without your assistance.
For Love, Life, and Liberty!
Love,
Patty
Get It Done
May my life here on earth give great glory to Gods Kingdom!
This scripture was sent to me in treatment by my little sister and it opened my eyes and gave me great strength and hope! Thank you Erin! This was also read under the Great Oak Trees by Jen on our last Sunday at Canopy Cove....
-- Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
This is so true, everything happens for a reason and great things occur in Gods time, and sometimes his timing just doesn't match up with when we want things to happen. Be patient, face your struggles head on and ask God for direction. He will deliver you from darkness and your future will prosper. For 4-years I struggled and failed backwards, and I almost lost my life. God came to me and delivered me to Canopy Cove, and it changed my life. I have been given a second chance in life and want to spread the love of God to others. To be at peace with yourself and God is the ultimate accomplishment.
I am not even close to being perfect, and I make mistakes on a daily basis. Yet my faith in God allows me to continue down the path to great glory, and yes all that glory goes straight to God.
I am so thankful for the life that I now have and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I have a loving family, true friends that stand by me always, and I now have a real purpose in life. I chose to live and I choose to care about you.
As most everyone now knows, for the past few years I have been fighting a battle with both my mind and body. Yes, I suffered from anorexia nervosa and it has made me who I am today. God works in mysterious ways, and I have now found my passion in life. "I Chose To Live"
My mission now is to speak out about eating disorders, self image and educate everyone. Many people may judge me on this journey but my faith in God and the support of my family and friends are my strength. Thank you so much Mom, Dad, Ryan, Erin, and Melissa. You guys got me through the toughest battle of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and have been blessed with an amazing family!
Matt, Troy, Billy, Sam, Kevin and to all my friends--
Thank you for standing beside me when most chose to run. You guys helped save my life and you keep me moving forward. I greatly appreciate all the support I have received and I am so blessed to have such strong and real friends.
Jen and Clare--
Thank you for getting me through treatment and opening my eyes to love, life, and faith in God. You both played a major part in transforming me back to the real Patty. I consider you both as sisters, and I will never forget either of you. Stay strong and I am always here for you both. You are both part of the reason I am reaching out to help others. You are two awesome souls.
My recovery will not be perfect but I know the support of my family and friends will keep me moving forward into the light of greatness. I would not be here today, honestly, if it wasn't for each and everyone of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I love you all and I will continue to fight this and will have a full recovery. I am so honored to know all of you. God Bless and stay strong.
To High Rock Studios www.highrockstudios.com
Thank you for doing a fantastic job in creating my website. You and your staff have made it possible for me to reach so many people. Thank you also for supporting I Chose To Live. I couldn't have accomplished what I have without your assistance.
For Love, Life, and Liberty!
Love,
Patty
Get It Done
May my life here on earth give great glory to Gods Kingdom!
This scripture was sent to me in treatment by my little sister and it opened my eyes and gave me great strength and hope! Thank you Erin! This was also read under the Great Oak Trees by Jen on our last Sunday at Canopy Cove....
-- Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
This is so true, everything happens for a reason and great things occur in Gods time, and sometimes his timing just doesn't match up with when we want things to happen. Be patient, face your struggles head on and ask God for direction. He will deliver you from darkness and your future will prosper. For 4-years I struggled and failed backwards, and I almost lost my life. God came to me and delivered me to Canopy Cove, and it changed my life. I have been given a second chance in life and want to spread the love of God to others. To be at peace with yourself and God is the ultimate accomplishment.
I am not even close to being perfect, and I make mistakes on a daily basis. Yet my faith in God allows me to continue down the path to great glory, and yes all that glory goes straight to God.
I am so thankful for the life that I now have and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I have a loving family, true friends that stand by me always, and I now have a real purpose in life. I chose to live and I choose to care about you.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Support Group
Patrick is running an Eating Disorder Support Group every Tuesday at Transitions LLC on Broadway St in Hagerstown, MD from 7pm-9pm.
This is an open group for those fighting, recovering or supporting the Eating Disorder Cause. This is a positive group with the ultimate goal of helping others recover life without ED. The group is small at the moment but it will only grow with time. We are here to help, and understand this isolating disorder. You are not alone in this! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Patrick at patrickb@ichosetolive.com
Fight the Stigma! Be a Voice! Choose to Live!
One of the best books I have read on Eating Disorders is "Life Without ED by Jenni Schaefer. Jenni is a true inspiration, and I am honored to have read her book. One great quote "do the next right thing." If you fall down, get back up....Fail Forward! Believe! Get it Done!
I Chose To Live stands for Love, Life, and Liberty!
This is an open group for those fighting, recovering or supporting the Eating Disorder Cause. This is a positive group with the ultimate goal of helping others recover life without ED. The group is small at the moment but it will only grow with time. We are here to help, and understand this isolating disorder. You are not alone in this! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Patrick at patrickb@ichosetolive.com
Fight the Stigma! Be a Voice! Choose to Live!
One of the best books I have read on Eating Disorders is "Life Without ED by Jenni Schaefer. Jenni is a true inspiration, and I am honored to have read her book. One great quote "do the next right thing." If you fall down, get back up....Fail Forward! Believe! Get it Done!
I Chose To Live stands for Love, Life, and Liberty!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Eating Disorder Support
I chose to live
Yet walk the line
Trying to move forward
Some how, always stepping back
I want to be free today
And forget about the days past
I fell into relapse...
Three days past
Running from something
Hiding from everything
My mind gone, body to isolation
Lost to all
but forgotten by nobody
I made the call
A friend to answer
A voice to be heard
A habit to break
A personality to recover
A new life to live
For 3 days I went into my ED and it was a nightmare, I became the monster I so fear that runs from everything. I am new in recovery and feel so strong, yet I was broken and blind sided by my ED! A friend from my support group came over twice and knocked some sense into me. We just have to know that hiding and retreating is not the answer. We are never alone though I know how lonely it feels at periods of the day. Call somebody, just don't hide! Thought I would share this as my first blog as I am not perfect! We are all in this together. I chose to live is a process of starting over and failing forward rather than regressing backwards. Life is a beautiful thing, cherish it and share it with others. Pick up the phone or send an email and reach out. I am strong but would love the support of so many others. God bless and keep the fight, relapse is a stepping stone to a stronger foundation for recovery! Live and Learn!
I Chose To Live for Love, Life and Liberty!!
Yet walk the line
Trying to move forward
Some how, always stepping back
I want to be free today
And forget about the days past
I fell into relapse...
Three days past
Running from something
Hiding from everything
My mind gone, body to isolation
Lost to all
but forgotten by nobody
I made the call
A friend to answer
A voice to be heard
A habit to break
A personality to recover
A new life to live
For 3 days I went into my ED and it was a nightmare, I became the monster I so fear that runs from everything. I am new in recovery and feel so strong, yet I was broken and blind sided by my ED! A friend from my support group came over twice and knocked some sense into me. We just have to know that hiding and retreating is not the answer. We are never alone though I know how lonely it feels at periods of the day. Call somebody, just don't hide! Thought I would share this as my first blog as I am not perfect! We are all in this together. I chose to live is a process of starting over and failing forward rather than regressing backwards. Life is a beautiful thing, cherish it and share it with others. Pick up the phone or send an email and reach out. I am strong but would love the support of so many others. God bless and keep the fight, relapse is a stepping stone to a stronger foundation for recovery! Live and Learn!
I Chose To Live for Love, Life and Liberty!!
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