Last month I learned of Thomas Lee Warschefsky, II, known to his family and friends as T.J. He dreamed of a career as a dentist, and studied at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was unable to complete his degree, due to his early death at age 22, in 2007 on Valentine's Day, due to his anorexia. He died while exercising in his room.
T.J was an honor student at Okemos High School in East Lansing, MI, USA and graduated cum laude from Albion College in Albion, MI, USA. He was a high school scholar athlete and a cross country and tennis walk-on at Albion College. He was also in the U.S. Air Force Medical Professionals program and a first year dental student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. These accomplishments didn't shield him from spending his last 8 years engaged in a battle of wills against anorexia. He sought residential eating disorders treatment three times before he died.
I was able to speak with his father, who has taken on a role of advocate after the tragedy of the loss of his child. While not an easy feat, and not something he planned, he admits that it has been healing for him. The Warschefskys, are to be lauded for being able to lend their experience to help the eating disorders community (sufferers, parents, clinicians and researchers) grow. Mr. Warschefsky conveyed T.J.'s spirit and his hope that some positive experience would come from the loss of his son. I'm certain that his tireless work and the team of people that has since enlisted in this cause will make certain that will happen.
As a provider of care, it is always tragic when a life is lost. As part of the medical community at large, I that more research is needed in the field of eating disorders. The Warschefsky family have organized TJ's Fund to promote eating disorders research in conjunction with the Academy for Eating Disorders.
Many people have the thought that "it can't or won't happen to me," or "I never intended for that to happen." Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect men, women, LGBTQ, and all ethnicities. No shaming and no blaming, just get help now.
