EWING, N.J., Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, national media commentator, eating disorders awareness advocate and community relations specialist for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, will speak at the upcoming National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) candlelight vigil, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in front of Green Hall at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, N.J.  

"There are so many young women and men struggling with body image issues and eating disorders on college campuses," said Haglund. "We need to redefine what true beauty really is. So many images we see on a daily basis aren't real and we need to stop comparing ourselves to these unattainable body ideals."

The purpose of the vigil is commemorate those individuals still actively in eating disorder recovery and those who have lost their lives to an eating disorder. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Recent studies report 91 percent of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting and 22 percent dieted "often" or "always." A significantly higher rate of eating disorders is also found among elite athletes.

Haglund will share her journey of recovery from an eating disorder. As her platform for the Miss America pageant in 2008, she chose to shed light on the dangers of these deadly disorders and has made it her mission to raise awareness and lobby for those struggling. She also is the founder of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation, a non-profit organization raising awareness of eating disorders while also providing resources and scholarships for those seeking treatment.

Before Haglund's talk at TCNJ vigil, each attendee will receive a lit candle that has a positive statement about what beauty is and will be encouraged to hold that candle throughout the vigil.

"We host several events during this particular week on our campus to raise funds and awareness for the cause and we're excited to have someone so empowering and influential like Kirsten Haglund speak at this event," said Summer Herlihy, Delta Phi Epsilon and ANAD Chair at TCNJ. "I think a lot of students will be able to relate to her, and will come away feeling stronger and having a better sense of self."

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center:
Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus. An adult partial hospitalization program is also available on campus for step down as well as in Orland Park, Ill., for women to direct admit. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls and Twitter - @TimberlineToday.

CONTACT: Mary Anne Morrow, 1-602-359-6989, maryanne.morrow@timberlineknolls.com

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

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