Author Ms. Zoe Whittall to receive first Earla Dunbar Consumer Award

Apr 17 2010

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada is happy to announce that Ms. Zoe Whittall, a young author, will be awarded the first Earla Dunbar Award in recognition of her work to help de-stigmatize Panic Attacks and Anxiety through her book Holding Still For As Long As Possible

The Earla Dunbar Consumer Award was created to honour Earla Dunbar's legacy. Ms.Dunbar, who will be in Vancouver to present Zoe Whittall the award, was the ADAC/ACTA Consumer Advisory Committee Chairperson since its inception in 2002. During her tenure, she was an active spokesperson, creating awareness about the challenges associated with living with an anxiety disorder. In her quest to remove stigmas and educate those suffering with disorders, the medical community and the general public about the various disorders, Earla Dunbar was and remains a shining example of courage and determination.

Zoe Whittall was nominated by Vancouver journalist, Shelagh Rogers. Ms. Whittall has experienced and has overcome the challenges of living with anxiety disorders and has used her experience to help others and by doing so has contributed to the understanding of anxiety disorders and has made efforts to reduce the stigma associated with it. Her novel immerses the reader into the world of panic attack sufferers as we follow one of her main characters journey living with, anticipating and experiencing frequent panic attacks. Through her novel, those living with anxiety disorders have been given a wonderful gift. Since many of them have the impression that they are the only one feeling this way, when reading paragraphs that resemble their own lives, some may feel a certain sense of relief knowing they are not alone.