May 21--A San Clemente woman battling anorexia is gaining support after she posted an emotional video on YouTube detailing her struggles with the eating disorder that has nearly claimed her life.
Rachael Farrokh says in the video she has been suffering from a severe form of anorexia for more than 10 years. In the video, she appears to be struggling to talk and walk.
"This is a psychological disease fight followed up with biological pain and suffering that go along with it," she said.
The frail 5-foot-7 actress' weight hovers in the 40-pound range. The disease has reduced Farrokh's rail-thin frame to skin and bones.
She has sought help at several treatment centers but has continued to suffer from the disease. Now Farrokh is at a breaking point, she says.
Left with few options to treat her illness, the 37-year-old says she is seeking the public's help. She admits her chances aren't good.
"I am not the one to ever ask for help," she said. "I need your help. We need your help. Otherwise I don't have a shot."
Farrokh said her husband quit his job to take care of her 24 hours a day.
Her husband was shown lifting her, fixing her hair and carrying her down a flight of stairs.
But the daily routine is wearing on the couple.
Farrokh is hoping to receive treatment in a hospital on the East Coast because she said she is "ready to get better."
A Gofundme account established to help fund her medical care has raised more than $58,000.
Her husband, Rod Edmondson, says Farrokh has suffered heart, liver and kidney failure.
According to the National Eating Disorders Assn., 90% to 95% of anorexia sufferers are girls and women.
Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental health condition and 5% to 10% of people struggling with illness will die.
