Your Action Brings Hope to Families Like Dana & Allena’s

Every day, families across the country face the challenges of obesity and the stigma that too often comes with it. But because of supporters like you, they don’t have to face it alone.

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is working toward a future where every person has access to compassionate care, evidence-based treatment and a community that understands them.

Families like Dana and her daughter, Allena, show why your support matters so deeply.

Meet Dana & Allena

Allena has lived with obesity since she was just three years old.

“We tried everything,” her mom, Dana, shares. “Diets, exercise, waiting for her to ‘grow into her body.’ Nothing worked. I used to wake up at night just to make sure she was still breathing.”

At sixteen, Allena finally heard the truth from a doctor:

“Obesity is a disease. It’s not your fault.”

That single statement transformed everything.

After undergoing bariatric surgery and losing nearly 90 pounds, Allena began to feel strong again. However, her most meaningful transformation came when she and Dana attended the Your Weight Matters National Convention, where they discovered OAC’s community of more than 90,000 members.

“Now we know we’re not alone,” Dana says. “OAC is fighting for families like ours and for every person who deserves care, respect and understanding.”

Your gift helps families like the Barnitzes find:

• Compassion instead of stigma
• Connection to a community that understands
• Care grounded in science, not judgment
• Hope for a future with better access to treatments and support

“Stigma doesn’t save lives. Access to care does.”

— Dana & Allena Barnitz, OAC Members

Give Today. Help Families Find Hope and Healing.

For 20 years, OAC has been committed to ensuring that people living with obesity get the respect, treatment and support they deserve.

Your gift today powers that promise. Donate now and support families like Dana & Allena’s: www.obesityaction.org/promise