Rachael Farrokh Anorexia: 40-Pound California Actress Appeals to Save Her Life [Video]

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May 22, 2015 06:10 AM EDT

A California woman, who is battling anorexia has spoken out about her condition and made a public appeal via a YouTube video, asking for help in saving life.

Rachael Farrokh is 37 years old, and she has been suffering from an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa for 10 years now. She stands 5 foot 7 and weighs about only 40 pounds.

According to Medical Daily, Farrokh is now appealing for worldwide help so she can be treated in a facility in Denver for patients with extremely low body weight.

In the video, Rachael begins, "I need your help. I'm suffering from an eating disorder. It's a very severe kind of anorexia."

"I've been suffering from this for quite a while now. I'm five-[foot]-seven, 40-something pounds and no hospitals will even take me at this point."

She explains that her husband is her caregiver and her only hope was to be treated at the Denver facility.

"Rod is now my 24-hour caregiver. In order for us to get [to the hospital that can help]... and I'm not one to ever ask for help...I need your help, otherwise I don't have a shot. And I'm ready to get better."

Farrokh and her husband, Rod Edmondson, live in San Clemente, California. They're hoping that the funds donated to them will allow them to stay closer to the Denver facility, where Farrokh plans on availing professional help from.

Edmondson has set up a GoFundMe page for his wife where he describes her to be "at a critical point."

He wrote, "She has had multiple blood transfusion, blood clots, edema and has suffered heart, liver and kidney failure already. Rachael decided to keep this on the down low for people not to worry and also due to the shame of the disorder. Her days are limited if we don't take action immediately."

Edmondson also revealed that he has quit his job as a personal trainer to give round-the-clock care to his wife.

"The funding will help cover medical bills and overall treatment. Time is of the essence and I don't want to lose the most important person in my life. She is bedridden, and I had to leave my job to give her round the clock care," Edmondson noted in the page.

Thus far, they have raised more than $100,000. Edmondson took to Facebook to express his gratitude for the support. "Thank you all for the ongoing support. This is a long road and you all are helping turn her around," he wrote.

According to the statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. Approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the US are suffering from eating disorders, according to NEDA.

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