YOUNGSTOWN – A mere decade separates Antonina Schubert’s skepticism about seeking intervention for a severe eating disorder and having her life on a positive trajectory.

The bridge was a therapist who provided the help and support she needed to connect the two points.

“In the last 10 years, I’ve built a life worth living, and learned to love myself and my body,” Schubert, 25, of Columbus, said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Schubert, who also was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, showed a portion of that pride by being among those who walked the runway for the 11th annual EveryBody Fashion Show on Wednesday evening in Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center.

Schubert was among the estimated 150 women, men and children of all ages, body sizes and shapes who acted as models for the gathering, set up to promote body positivity as well as greater self-esteem and inclusivity. In addition, the event, which was broken into several categories of dress, was aimed at encouraging acceptance of and support and respect for those who have struggled or are struggling with such challenges, Jennifer Frank, a YSU fashion merchandising professor, noted.

“This is to show that fashion is for everybody, and to focus on what is on the inside (of a person), not the outside,” she said.

Among those who weren’t shy about taking to the runway was Richard Rogers, 66, a YSU associate professor of criminal justice.

Rogers said that in addition to being a friend of Frank’s, he wished to show his support toward the event’s primary goals.

Schubert has appeared four times in the fashion show, the first time having been in April 2018. Since then, she graduated from college last year and continues to share her story to help others — despite a grim background that also included no plans for her future — she said.

In addition, the fashion show was named in honor and memory of Danielle Peters, a YSU fashion merchandising student who died in July 2012 after losing her battle with complications related to bulimia. Peters was 21.

“She loved animals and rescued dogs wherever she found them,” Peters’ mother, Mary Ann Peters of Austintown, remembered.

The younger Peters, a 2010 Austintown Fitch High School graduate, also enjoyed soccer and basketball, along with spending time with friends, family and relatives that included her nephew Travis, her mother said.

Also, Danielle loved Priscilla Gitimu, a former YSU fashion merchandising professor, her mother said.

Mary Ann Peters added that toward the end of her life, Danielle was attending college, preparing to move into her own home, working for a cleaning company and seeing her counselor regularly. Nevertheless, her body was already shutting down from the eating disorder, Mary Ann Peters recalled.

About 28.8 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder, so it’s vital that greater awareness of such challenges continues to be raised, Frank said. She added that it’s an important goal to “live life independent of your weight and size.”

For Schubert, Wednesday’s EveryBody event also was about the power of strength, self-determination, love and hope, along with continued efforts to advocate for those with eating challenges and ensuring they have access to the proper resources for help.

The gathering was “a celebration of resilience,” she said.

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