I shared my story for the first time at Eating Disorders Coalition Advocacy Day 2021 — and I hope to join passionate advocates on Capitol Hill on April 15. I am grateful for every opportunity to advocate for federal policy change for those affected by eating disorders.

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just getting started, your voice matters and together we can make Congress listen. Register now and help us fight for change! https://bit.ly/4sJhout​

Malinda Ann Hill
Wish to Nourish

Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is hosting its annual Advocacy Day on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. D.C. Celebrate their 25th Anniversary in the nation's capital! More details coming in early 2025. 

For more information: www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/

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Malinda Ann Hill is writing an updated version of Leah Connor's "Life as a twin rewarding, despite the occasional confusion" and the working title is "Real Runners of Charlottesville"

Life as a twin rewarding, despite the occasional confusion
By Leah Hill - October 24, 1991
My Opinion - Daily Collegian 

As the weeks go by, more people are beginning to recognize me from my columns. Unfortunately, I haven't actually talked to all of these people because some of them have recognized my twin sister -- not me.

So, I decided to let everyone know that there is a person out there who resembles me. To be honest, it is more like a warning --I don't think I can be responsible for the actions of my twin sister, Mindy. She might not be so nice, friendly and understanding to the next person who calls her Leah.

But who could blame her? Wouldn't you begin to get a little upset and/or have an identity crisis if people who even had classes with you don't remember you as Mindy, but instead ask, "Hey, don't you write for the Collegian?"

Personally, I enjoy being a twin. It's usually the first thing I tell people about myself. I figure it is a good conversation starter. If my twin isn't there by my side when I first meet someone, most people ask if we are identical. Here is where I sort of get stuck.

There's this genetic thing that I'm not quite sure about so I end up sounding like a complete idiot.

"Well, most people think we look alike but, to tell you the truth, I'm not quite sure if the egg split or if there were, in fact, two eggs. I'll have to get back to you on that one."

As it is common for those children who aren't the first born, Mindy and I have considerably fewer baby pictures than my older sister Heather. The excuse my parents gave me for this lack of a pictoral history is that they were too busy trying to keep both of us fed and dry. They didn't always have the time to capture the moment with Kodak.

Yeah, sure. It wouldn't be so bad if the few photos we do have weren't, well, how should I put this, somewhat ambiguous. The problem is we aren't actually sure who is who. It's always fun having my friends try to guess which baby or toddler is me. However, they are a little disappointed when they expect a definite answer and I regretfully inform them that their guess is as good as mine.

But, I shouldn't be so hard on my parents. Mindy and I have had the same problem. Last month, we were looking through some recent pictures and Mindy said, "That's a really good picture of you." At first I agreed with her, but a minute or two later (after realizing that I had never worn that outfit) I said, "Hey Mindy, that's not me, it's YOU!" It was a scary moment.

People often ask if we ever dressed alike. When we were little all of our relatives would give us identical outfits. It was always a thrill when we got matching outfits in different colors and had to fight over who got which color. However, as we got older we realized that we would have twice the wardrobe potential if we had different clothes. I must stress the word potential because it's not always feasible to borrow a sweater from your sister when you are having an argument.

Finally, most people want to know if I like being a twin. For the most part, it's great. But, this mistaken identity thing, although it is amusing, can get on my nerves. Sometimes it's not worth trying to explain to someone that I am not who they think I am. I just smile and go on my merry way. Other times people will go on talking to me without giving me the chance to say, "Hey, wait a minute, I am NOT Mindy, leave me alone."

My freshman year at Pitt I lived with six people and I didn't have the chance to let them all know about Mindy. So for the first few weeks I got the reputation of being unfriendly because I (in reality, Mindy) didn't say hello to them on the street. Therefore, I have been conditioned to say "hi" to people I don't even know just because I don't want them to think that my sister is rude.

The most memorable experience of mistaken identity here at Penn State was during the summer at Ritenour. Mindy and I ended up being there at the same time. Mistake.

The nurse kindly showed me to the doctor's office. As I nervously sat there I heard all sorts of commotion outside. Then, the nurse came back and said, "Didn't I tell you to go to the room across the hall?" I said no.

And then it hit me, she doesn't know who I am. After about fifteen minutes and a mini-conference among the nurse, doctor and a few other people, we got the whole thing straightened out. Ever since then, Mindy and I make sure to schedule appointments on different days.

Despite the occasional identity crisis and having to share a birthday, I never regret being a twin. Although even if I did, there really isn't anything I could do about it.

Not all twins get along, but Mindy is my best friend. She really understands me and not just because in the eyes of some people she has actually been me. We have a special connection. Therefore, in the hope of keeping my sister's sanity in check (not to mention for other people's safety) I'll give you some tips on telling us apart.

If you see "me" carrying an art portfolio, it's Mindy. She's the artist. If you see me in the computer lab, feel free to say "hi" and compliment me on my column. If you see "me" working in The Gap, it's really Mindy. If I'm working in the HUB Eateries, again feel free to say "hi."

If, despite these guidelines, you still happen to say "Hi Leah, I like your column," to my sister and she lets you have it, please don't let that stop you from reading my next column.

Leah Hill is a junior majoring in women's studies and a Thursday columnist for The Daily Collegian.

Michael, Leah Connor’s Irish brother-in-law, died from relapsed childhood leukemia on St. Patrick’s Day 2003. Aileen, our Irish grandmother affectionately known as GG, died from lung cancer on July 18, 2012.

Ten years ago, we deemed ourselves "TWINS RUN IN OUR FAMILY" and joined Team Lemon so we could run their first Bank of America Chicago Marathon together in his memory to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

Over the years, we’ve continued to run together (Boston Marathon, runDisney, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Charlottesville Women's Four Miler) and solo (Twins Run 50K, Philadelphia Marathon, Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Charlottesville Track Club, Charlottesville Speedsters, Charlottesville Ten Miler, Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon, The San Francisco Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon) to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. As of today, we’ve raised over $7,000 in memory of Michael and GG.

We’re extremely grateful for your ongoing support and generous donations over the years.

If you can, please consider donating $10 to mark our 10th anniversary with Team Lemon.

Thank you. ☘️

It is difficult to admit that I am still struggling greatly with anorexia nervosa. I am so sorry for the pain the illness has caused my friends and family, especially my identical twin, Leah.

Leah gave me a place to crash when I lost my apartment, my job and my health insurance. Thank you, Leah, for your ongoing support and the tough love when I need it.

Posted by Leah on 6/21/21: “I wrote this poem in 1985 after having struggled with anorexia nervosa beginning at 11 years old. My twin is still actively battling this deadly disease. I love you, Malinda Ann Hill. ❤️”

Reality by Leah Ann Hill

"Why do you do this? Do this to our family? to yourself? Why don't you just eat? Just one bite. Please. Please, just one bite. I love you honey. Just eat. Please!"
There's no response,
The body stiffens
No feelings show through the gaunt,
lifeless face,
Having none means superiority.
But that's a lie,
You're scared, alone,
This urge, this obsession has taken over your life; has cut all ties from friends, family; has destroyed your life.
You are hungry, but not just for food,
You cry for attention, yearn for their approval,
They can't see it though, why can't they tell?
"If you eat this I'll get you anything, anything you want."
But you don't want anything (anything but your freedom, their love),
You've worked too hard for this,
You can't give it up, you won't.
They can't see it though, why can't they tell?
Why can't you?

Published in the National Anorexic Aid Society, Inc. Newsletter (April - June 1985)

Today is our 51st birthday and I am grateful I had the opportunity to attend Eating Disorders Coalition (@EDCoalition) Virtual Advocacy Day (#EDCHillDay).

On Tuesday, May 17, I joined advocates from across the country who shared our experiences with eating disorders and asked Congress to support important legislation. For more information on how you can help, visit: http://eatingdisorderscoalition.org.

​Here is my story I shared:

My name is Malinda Ann Hill and I moved to Charlottesville after living in Philadelphia for over 20 years.

My identical twin was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa when we were 11 years old. Tomorrow, we turn 51. Forty years ago, eating disorders in children were rare and education of health care providers was limited. Our pediatrician ordered multiple tests because he did not suspect that my twin’s drastic weight loss was intentional. Fortunately, my twin recovered.

Unfortunately, my struggle with anorexia nervosa began when we were 15 and continues today. Over the past 35 years, there were times when I was so severely ill I was unable to function. There were also times when I was able to manage my symptoms, allowing me to earn my masters’ degree in marital and family therapy with a specialization in art therapy, pursue a meaningful career as bereavement coordinator at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, raise my daughter on my own, and run marathons with my twin to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

Since I was unable to access the treatment I needed in my late teens and early twenties, I suffered devastating mental and physical consequences as a result of surviving decades with an eating disorder. Shortly after the pandemic began in 2020, my eating disorder spiraled out of control. My mental and physical health rapidly declined to the point that I was unable to work. I knew that I desperately needed help and I had to seek treatment as soon as possible. I feared the pandemic would trigger a mental health crisis and I was correct.

I took a medical leave of absence from work (FMLA) to participate in a virtual partial hospitalization program. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue the recommended treatment program because I had to return to work after 3 months. I did my best to manage my debilitating symptoms on my own but I was unable to function. I requested another medical leave of absence from work and I was re-admitted to a virtual partial hospitalization program. When my mental and physical health continued to deteriorate, I was admitted to an in-person partial hospitalization program in Charlottesville. Shortly thereafter, I was notified by mail that the hospital could no longer hold my position that I held for nearly 20 years while I was on medical leave. Subsequently, I lost my health insurance and access to the in-person partial hospitalization program because it would not accept Medicaid.

While I am grateful to have a team of health care providers who are compassionate, knowledgeable and aware of the complex mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, it has been impossible to access the level of eating disorder treatment I need through Medicaid.
Last year, I shared my story for the first time during EDC Virtual Advocacy Day. Although it was difficult for me to admit how much I continue to struggle, I felt empowered and hopeful after joining other advocates.

There have been many days when I have lost hope and I fear that I will continue to suffer or die as a result of an eating disorder. Even on my darkest days, I want to do all I can to help others and raise awareness. I am grateful for every opportunity to share my story to advocate for change.
I believe legislation to support education, research, prevention and early intervention is crucial so children, teens and adults will not have to suffer for decades like I have or die as a result of their eating disorders like far too many have.

I am asking for support of the Anna Westin Legacy Act and the Kids Online Safety Act so all children and adults suffering or those at-risk for eating disorders have access to the care and understanding they deserve.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be an Advocate with the Eating Disorders Coalition.

The Eating Disorders Coalition brings advocates together once a year for national Advocacy Days to educate Members of Congress and push for important policy goals.

I will share my story on Capitol Hill during EDC Virtual Advocacy Day on May 17th so I can influence federal policy and make a difference in the lives of those affected by eating disorders.

You can also get involved and show your support by sharing information on your social media accounts and contacting your Members of Congress. Sign up to receive a social media tool kit here: http://bit.ly/3KuXUm6
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Thank you!

​Malinda Ann Hill