Amber Foster's struggle with anorexia appears to have taken a positive turn.
The Comox woman is waiting to learn when she could return for treatment at an eating disorder program in Edmonton, which she had attended this year.
The Province has indicated it will support her return.
The 31-year-old mother had received government assistance to attend the program at the University of Alberta Hospital. However, she said she had to come home early when the B.C. government cut off funding once she became an out-patient in the transitional program.
Foster said transitional care is critically important to prevent relapses from occurring.
Over the years the five-foot, three-inch Foster has suffered heart attacks, seizures and pneumonia. At one point she weighed 67 pounds. She was up to about 115 pounds after her stay in Edmonton but lost about 30 pounds in recent months. She had been admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital after reaching a point where she could no longer tend to basic needs.
For the time being, friends say Foster has control over her life.
"Physiologically, she still has a long way to go, but we hold great hope for as full a recovery as possible," an e-mail states. "The battle with anorexia being lifelong."