Ranch Helps Crozet Teen Battle Eating Disorder

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Updated: 9:10 AM Feb 8, 2011

More than eight million Americans suffer from an eating disorder, but nearly 80 percent of them don't get the treatment they need. CBS19's Jacquie Franciulli profiles one local teen's success story and the ranch that helped her regain control of her body.

Posted: 9:45 PM Feb 7, 2011
Reporter: Jacquie Franciulli
Email Address: jacquie.franciulli@newsplex.com

Ranch Helps Teen Battle Eating Disorder

WEB EXTRA: A Closer Look at Remuda Ranch

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February 7, 2011

Noelle Pugh had it all before an eating disorder morphed her body. A former soccer and track standout at Western Albemarle High School in Crozet, things spiraled so out of control that Pugh found herself drinking laxatives several times a day.

“Being a perfectionist and being involved in both of those sports, I wanted to be the best of the best. So, I thought I had to be the most healthy eater,” she explained.

Pugh concealed her secret inner struggle until the eating disorder left her thin and frail, a 100-pound shell of her former self. Finally, she sought professional help from family therapist Mark Bower at the Remuda Ranch in nearby Caroline County. There she quickly discovered that her battle was not so uncommon.

“There is research that suggests that there is a higher prevalence of eating disorders in the athletic community,” said Brown.

A silent haven for an inner war, women and girls from all over the world have turned to Remuda Ranch for inpatient and residential care. The Ranch, one of two of its kind in the nation, takes in cases that other institutions turn away. More than 10,000 patients have trusted the facility with their care, including 100 from the Charlottesville area.

"I probably send close to 20 a year [to Remuda Ranch]. I love the fact that it is near our town, so if the families need to be a part of [the treatment] they can be,” said nutritionist Kate Bruno.

While at Remuda, patients undergo different types of therapies, including those of the behavioral and equine variety. Regardless of the treatment, Bower says it's most important that the therapy matches the patient's needs. “All our treatment plans are individualized depending on what the patient is bringing into treatment,” he explained. “Every family, every patient is different.”

On-site therapists joke that many patients cannot remember the names of their doctors but have no problem remembering the names of their therapy horses. For Pugh, it wasn't just the horses that made the difference; it was intimate conversations with her family that gave her the reassurance she so desperately needed.

“My dad and I talked. We shared a moment knowing that everything is going to be OK and our family is going to be closer together."

“We just constantly tell her how proud we are of her,” said Noelle's mother, Tracey Pugh.

At the entrance to Remuda Ranch visitors see a sign that reads, “Expect A Miracle”. Noelle hopes her miracle ripples through the lives of others. She's talked about majoring in psychology so she can help other girls win their inner battle.

“I said over and over again, when I get back from treatment I'm not going to have anything to do with an eating disorder. Ironically enough, it consumes everything about me.”

Latest Comments

Posted by: Stillstruggling Location: Cville on Feb 24, 2011 at 12:55 PM

I'm glad you got the chance to go. Please continue to fight for your recovery, as one day, the options may be limited due to insurance and financial reasons and you won't be able to afford a facility that costs $3k+ per day.
I've been struggling with anorexia and bulimia for 17 years, and while I've been to treatment, no place had 'cured' me. Insurance limitations have forced me to leave within 2 weeks.
I would also pray for direction in your career choice. You are young. By working with other ED'd individuals, do you want to remain tied to your disease that you were lucky enough to receive necessary, adequate treatment for? What are your REAL interests?

Posted by: Advice Location: Virginia on Feb 11, 2011 at 10:22 AM

Concerned Mom: I would encourage you to contact the Ranch again. There have been some recent changes, and if there is a way for your insurance to help they will find it. I will keep your family in my prayers, and I hope that your daughter is able to come to a place in her life where she is able to look her ED in the face and realize she is so much more than what it's allowing her to be. God Bless!

Posted by: Judy S Location: Crozet, Va on Feb 9, 2011 at 06:53 PM

Noelle, You are a remarkable young woman and I'm so proud of you!

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