Anorexia: The Death Of Madeleine Mae Billings

Madeleine Mae Billings was a beautiful and smart girl who looked like she had a dream life. Her parents, Lisa and Nick Billings, however knew that Maddie was in trouble in spite of her high achievements and numerous friends. She didn’t look ill or anorexic to many people but her therapist told her parents that she was very ill and the disease could win the battle someday.  It was serious.

Despite starving herself, Maddie was able to function in many cases while she excelled in sports and academics.  She attended Dartmouth and tried to continue her studies.  But the disease took over and Maddie hated herself for it.  Her parents supported her from the beginning. Signs of the eating disorder emerged as early as 12 years old. They put all of their effort into her treatment including in-patient and out-patient programs.  

During the COVID pandemic, there were fewer spaces available for treatment since the cases of anorexia increased.  In fact, Maddie was infected with COVID and lost even more weight.  The hospital put her in isolation which made things worse. Maddie was on a waiting list at the Denver Health Acute Center where the family lived.  But there were no beds available.  Maddie wanted to get better and her parents told her she could die from the disease.  She wanted help. 

Shortly after waiting for an opening for treatment, Maddie passed away in her sleep.  It was five days after Christmas.  Maddie was just 23 years old.  She didn’t want to die.  In fact, she had just enrolled at Johns Hopkins for a clinical trial for treatment-resistant eating disorders.  Her parents took her to the emergency room three times in 10 days right before she died. 

Madeleine Mae Billings will always be remembered by her family and numerous people who loved her.  Her parents tried everything to save her yet this disease is powerful and it has taken the lives of many young people.

To learn more visit:

https://www.maddiemaefund.com