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Tau Kappa Epsilon Mu-Theta Chapter Goes On Hunger Strike
TKE Mu-Theta Chapter at Lycoming College Will Go On Hunger Strike to
Address Importance of Healthy Eating and Lifestyles
(Williamsport, PA) – On March 14, 2003, members of the Mu-Theta
chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Lycoming College will
begin a hunger strike by fasting for 48 hours, in an effort to raise
awareness about eating disorders and the importance of developing
healthy eating habits.
A common misconception about eating disorders is that it only
affects young women and girls. To think eating disorders don't
affect men, one only needs to ask Tau Kappa Epsilon member John
Kneisly about his dad Richard, who died unexpectedly in 2002 after
years of struggling with severe obesity.
"This event means a lot to me personally, because it's a way for
those who don't mentally [have to] go through the pain of being
obese to experience it physically [instead]. Many days, [obese
persons] go through their lives wondering if they should just not
eat, and nothing really works," Kneisly said.
Words from John's father one week before his gastric bypass surgery
still resonate in his mind to this day: "obese people are the
happiest people you'll ever meet, but they're always crying on the
inside because they believe they are never good enough."
Although Richard's gastric bypass surgery was considered a success,
years of battling obesity took a tremendous toll on his internal
organs. Last year during a severe coughing spell, Richard's spleen
ruptured and caused severe internal bleeding, resulting in his
unexpected passing.
In an effort to honor his father and bring attention to the
importance of healthy eating habits, John created Hunger Strike
2003, benefiting the Richard Kneisly Weight Awareness Fund. Half of
the proceeds will go toward research to develop preventative
measures and identify potential risk factors in younger people, with
the remaining proceeds going toward a surgical fund for individuals
who are in need of gastric bypass surgery, but cannot afford the
cost of the life-saving procedure.
Hunger Strike 2003 has received wide-spread support and sponsorship
from several local businesses and the Lycoming College and
Williamsport community. Wearing their "Hunger Strike 2003" t-shirts
provided by Impact Promotions, individuals fasting will go about
their usual business throughout the entire weekend, collecting
donations from people.
On Sunday, fasters will then come together in the lounge of Mu-
Theta's chapter house for re-fueling and reflection. Participants
will be given food provided by local restaurants, with each meal
being donated by individuals who sponsor the Hunger Strike 2003
through a monetary contribution. Participants will also reflect on
their experience through educational discussions and information
provided about the necessary and appropriate amount of calories they
should consume in order to be healthy. Individuals sponsoring
Hunger Strike 2003 will be entered into a raffle to win various
prizes, including dinners for two at a local restaurant, Kneisly
said.
"I hope people will come to realize that not caring about your
health, at any age, is just as detrimental to you as any other bad
habit," Kneisly said.
"I applaud these brothers and their efforts to raise awareness of
the health risks associated with obesity. These Fraters are shining
examples of Tau Kappa Epsilon's dedication to contribute to the
advancement of society through the personal growth of our members
and service to others," said Todd Farmer, Northeast Regional
Director for Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
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