FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2003
Contact: Heather N. Redeske, M.A.
Communications Coordinator
Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
(317) 872 – 6533 ext. 241
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.
Individuals seeking to participate or sponsor the Hunger Strike
2003: Richard Kneisly Weight Awareness Fund should contact John Kneisly at
knejohn@lycoming.edu, or at 410-768-4313.
Founded in 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon is the world's largest social
fraternity, with over 228,000 initiated members and more than 270 undergraduate chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada. The TKE Vision is to be the best lifelong collegiate social fraternity; the TKE Mission is to aid men in their mental, moral, and social development for life; and the TKE Purpose is to
contribute to the advancement of society through the personal growth of our members, and service to others.
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Congratulations to TKE for doing what many of our HQ's should have been doing all along. It would appear from the name at the top of the press release that they are actually implementing a public relations strategy to show that they benefit the community at large. While this might not get to the general public (the media most likely won't run something like this) it *should* be read by producers, editors, etc. If inundated with such stories it may chip away at some of the negative media attention.
It's also a good opportunity to get printed or get air time since media outlets are now running "positive" stories much more often than in the past.
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