Local Authors Melissa Kelley and Alayna Burke Discuss Memoir on Eating Disorders

St. Louis County Library and the JCC of St. Louis are pleased to host local authors Melissa Kelley and Alayna Burke, co-authors of “FULL: Overcoming Our Eating Disorders to Fully Live.” The event is presented by the Arthur Gale Medical Arts Lecture Series.

The event will take place on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the JCC’s Staenberg Family Center – Mirowitz Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Books will be available for purchase at the event from Left Bank Books.

Growing up in the digital age, with the pressures of social media and increasingly competitive academics, Alayna’s perfectionism started early in life. She began to despise her body after a pre-teen wellness check when the physician told her to “lay off the snacks” and watch her weight. At age 16, Alayna was diagnosed with anorexia. She was three weeks from being sent to an in-patient treatment center when she decided to take charge of her life.

Plagued with body dysmorphia beginning at six-years-old, Melissa came of age in the diet culture of the 1970s and 1980s when fad diets, diet pills, and at-home exercise equipment dominated the golden age of advertising. Melissa was diagnosed with bulimia when she was 16 and her treatment included both inpatient and intensive outpatient programs over five years.

A generation apart, Burke and Kelley weave their stories of illness and recovery and share how they now manage those challenges to fully participate in life. “FULL” offers insight and hope to people struggling with eating disorders. 

Alayna Burke started her idea for “FULL” as an 18-year-old senior in high school. Alayna often wished there was a book on eating disorders from the voice of a teen. Alayna is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in nutrition and exercise physiology with a minor in psychology at the University of Missouri. Alayna plans to become a registered dietitian.

Melissa Kelley grew up in Saint Charles, Missouri. Throughout her career, Melissa has worked in both corporate and civic non-profit organizations. In 2018, Melissa was named one of Saint Louis’ Most Influential Businesswomen by the St. Louis Business Journal. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Truman State University and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in Saint Louis.

The Arthur Gale Medical Arts Lecture Series at St. Louis County Library was founded in 2015 by Dr. Arthur Gale with the purpose of increasing the public's knowledge and understanding of medicine and health care.

Program sites are accessible. With at least two weeks' notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Call 314-994-3300 or contact us.