Dying To Be Thin, Part II

A CBS 2 News Special Assignment

Special Assignment: Dying To Be Thin, Part II aired Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 11 p.m.

At five feet, four inches tall, Tony Loppnow weighs less than 100 pounds.

"I'm malnurished. I can't think straight," Loppnow told CBS 2 News.

She's so sick, her doctors say she's dying. Dr. Manohar Shinde, Loppnow's psychiatrist, told CBS 2 News Loppnow must be admitted to a 24-hour residential eating disorder clinic for at least four to six weeks.

"She will die an acute or chronic death. It's that simple," Dr. Manohar Shinde told CBS 2 News.

But Aetna, Loppnow's insurance company, would not approve the long-term care. In fact, CBS 2 News learned few insurance companies would.

Things were looking very bleak, until CBS 2 News received a phone call from viewer Bernie Gainey.

"I couldn't help it. I couldn't get to the phone fast enough to offer my help,"

Before CBS 2 News gave Loppnow the good news, Gainey wire the entire amount needed to admit her to an eating disorder hospital. It was a donation totaling $18,000.

"It was an emotional thing," Gainey told CBS 2 News. "I can't believe how overwhelming it feels to think you could help someone."

"All of us need each other at times in our lives," "So to see someone reach out an touch another life, it's just life affirming."

CBS 2 News arranged for a meeting between the generous donor and Loppnow.

"Don't give up," Gainey advised Loppnow at the meeting.

"I won't," replied Loppnow. "Thank you so much."

CBS 2 News recently heard from Loppnow. She was planning to board a plane heading for an eating disorder clinic in Oklahoma. Doctors in Los Angles said this is her best shot at getting better.

Gainey is a businessman in the San Fernando Valley. He told CBS 2 News many people helped him along along the way, and this was his way of saying thanks to those who assisted him.