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Some stories are harder to tell than others, but they are often the ones that need to be shared the most. In Episode 148 of the Cheer Mom Podcast, we step away from routines and stunts to talk about something deeper—something that affects far too many athletes but is rarely spoken about openly.
We follow the courageous journey of Lily Jones, an elite, Worlds-level cheer athlete, who faced an eating disorder head-on—and won. Alongside her mom, Heather, she shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope that came from their fight for recovery.
A Family Built on Cheer
For the Jones family, cheerleading isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Heather and her husband met as college cheerleaders, their love for the sport growing alongside their love for each other. That passion carried into their family, where their daughters grew up surrounded by the energy and excitement of competition cheer at Stingray All Stars.
Lily, inspired by her older sister and the community at Stingray, stepped onto the mat at a young age, ready to take on the world. But as the years passed, the pressures of performance and perfection – especially from social media – began to weigh on her.
The Silent Struggle
Like so many young athletes, Lily was immersed in a world where appearance often seemed as important as skill. Social media only amplified those pressures, reinforcing an unrealistic ideal of what a cheerleader “should” look like.
When the world shut down during COVID, so did Lily’s sense of control. What began as small changes to her diet quickly spiraled into dangerous habits. Friends noticed. Her family saw it too. And one day, her closest friends made the difficult choice to speak up, going to Heather and sharing their concerns. It was a moment that changed everything.
Fighting for Recovery
The road back wasn’t easy. There were doctor visits, tough conversations, and multiple stays in residential treatment centers. There were days filled with frustration, fear, and uncertainty. Heather describes it as fighting an invisible battle—one where love alone didn’t always feel like enough.
Lily, reflecting on those dark days, acknowledges how close she came to losing herself entirely. But through the support of her family, her faith, and a community that refused to let her go, she found the strength to choose something bigger than her disorder. She chose life.
The Power of Community
Cheerleading is built on teamwork, and for Lily and Heather, their support system became their greatest strength. The Stingray All Stars family, their friends, their church—all of them stepped in to offer love, prayers, and unwavering encouragement.
Opening up about their journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And in doing so, they found something unexpected: a network of people who understood, who cared, and who were walking similar paths of their own.
A New Chapter
Now in her second season with the world-renowned Stingray Orange, Lily is back in the gym—but with a different perspective. While she may not tumble like she once did, she’s found a deeper appreciation for what her body can do, rather than fixating on what it looks like.
She’s also found purpose in sharing her story, offering a voice of hope to those who may be struggling in silence.
Words of Encouragement
Lily’s message to others is simple but powerful: Your body is strong. Your worth isn’t defined by a number or a size. And most importantly, you are not alone.
Heather urges parents, coaches, and teammates to listen—really listen—when a child is struggling. No judgment, no quick fixes, just open arms and a safe space to talk. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin the healing process.
You Are Not Alone
Lily and Heather’s story is one of resilience, love, and the power of speaking out. By sharing their journey, they remind us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. And for those who need support, help is always within reach.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders at 866-662-1235. There is strength in asking for help—and there is always a community ready to lift you up.
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