What is Charlotte's Helix?
Charlotte's Helix is an international collaboration seeking to bring the AN25K genetics initiative to the UK, in honor of the eating disorder advocacy work of Charlotte Bevan.
The goal of Charlotte’s Helix is to add at least 1,000 UK DNA samples to the AN25K initiative. Under the direction of Professor Cynthia Bulik, AN25K has the ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 DNA samples in order to"crack the code" that makes some people predisposed to an eating disorder.
Genetic research is rapidly changing the understanding of all kinds of conditions. Advances in psychiatry are particularly important, as disability and mortality rates are high, and treatment options have been limited. Understanding anorexia nervosa will help us not only understand all eating disorders, but also how they are genetically related to other psychiatric disorders (like depression and anxiety disorders), as well as other medical conditions.
This initiative was inspired by the advocacy work of Charlotte Bevan, a mother in England, who, through tireless and visionary advocacy, reached thousands of parents, professionals, and members of the general public. Her 2013 diagnosis of terminal cancer shocked her many friends, fellow activists, and those who have been helped, inspired, and educated by Charlotte since her own young daughter developed and recovered from anorexia nervosa. Charlotte was a vital part of the advocacy community. Her passion, humor, directness, and compassion are unparalleled. Many who knew her want to channel their gratitude and commitment into this project, which embodies the hope that good science brings to all of our children and grandchildren. Charlotte believed in this project and was an active partner in getting it off the ground.
Who is Charlotte’s Helix? It is all of us: individuals and organizations and institutions who are connected to Charlotte in any way. Some of us knew her as a dear friend, others have had the benefit of her voice on the phone during a difficult time; still others got to know her through her courageous media interviews or her vibrant online presence.
How can we thank Charlotte for being there for all of us? We can support the project she believed in and join together to make it happen. Our efforts, like the Helix, will have two arms: fundraising to pay the expenses for collection and analysis of DNA; and recruiting patients and former patients for the study. Both arms are essential for success and we will need the help of everyone who is willing.
Why a “Helix?” The helix shape is widely recognized to symbolize the structure of DNA. Although most of us have never actually seen DNA, we recognize it as that which defines who we are. Charlotte touched and connected to countless people in her life, in and out of the eating disorders community. Her legacy continues through those lives she helped save, the families she supported, the professionals with whom she worked, and the friendships she forged: friends who will carry on her work.
Read Charlotte's Helix news and sign up for our mailing list
The goal of Charlotte’s Helix is to add at least 1,000 UK DNA samples to the AN25K initiative. Under the direction of Professor Cynthia Bulik, AN25K has the ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 DNA samples in order to"crack the code" that makes some people predisposed to an eating disorder.
Genetic research is rapidly changing the understanding of all kinds of conditions. Advances in psychiatry are particularly important, as disability and mortality rates are high, and treatment options have been limited. Understanding anorexia nervosa will help us not only understand all eating disorders, but also how they are genetically related to other psychiatric disorders (like depression and anxiety disorders), as well as other medical conditions.
This initiative was inspired by the advocacy work of Charlotte Bevan, a mother in England, who, through tireless and visionary advocacy, reached thousands of parents, professionals, and members of the general public. Her 2013 diagnosis of terminal cancer shocked her many friends, fellow activists, and those who have been helped, inspired, and educated by Charlotte since her own young daughter developed and recovered from anorexia nervosa. Charlotte was a vital part of the advocacy community. Her passion, humor, directness, and compassion are unparalleled. Many who knew her want to channel their gratitude and commitment into this project, which embodies the hope that good science brings to all of our children and grandchildren. Charlotte believed in this project and was an active partner in getting it off the ground.
Who is Charlotte’s Helix? It is all of us: individuals and organizations and institutions who are connected to Charlotte in any way. Some of us knew her as a dear friend, others have had the benefit of her voice on the phone during a difficult time; still others got to know her through her courageous media interviews or her vibrant online presence.
How can we thank Charlotte for being there for all of us? We can support the project she believed in and join together to make it happen. Our efforts, like the Helix, will have two arms: fundraising to pay the expenses for collection and analysis of DNA; and recruiting patients and former patients for the study. Both arms are essential for success and we will need the help of everyone who is willing.
Why a “Helix?” The helix shape is widely recognized to symbolize the structure of DNA. Although most of us have never actually seen DNA, we recognize it as that which defines who we are. Charlotte touched and connected to countless people in her life, in and out of the eating disorders community. Her legacy continues through those lives she helped save, the families she supported, the professionals with whom she worked, and the friendships she forged: friends who will carry on her work.
Read Charlotte's Helix news and sign up for our mailing list