Second Annual Community Walk in Chicago to Help Raise Awareness of Eating Disorders

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center today announced its sponsorship and support of the second annual Chicago NEDA Walk. Registration takes place at 9 a.m. with the program starting at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 29, Lincoln Harbor in Lincoln Park, 500-5700 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

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"For the second year we've gathered our team of walkers to increase eating disorder awareness and raise funds to support the many individuals and families affected by eating disorders," said Kim Dennis, M.D., CEO and medical director at Timberline Knolls. "It's important for us to get the message out -- so many individuals are struggling in silence and we want to let them know help is available and life-long recovery is possible."

Timberline Knolls' walking team, TK Trekkers, consists of staff, former residents, families and friends, and other behavioral health professionals. Timberline Knolls' community relations specialist, national eating disorders awareness advocate, NEDA Ambassador and Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, will be the featured speaker at this year's event. Haglund will share her personal story of recovery from an eating disorder.

Attendees can pre-register for the Chicago walk online at: neda.nationaleatingdisorders.org/chicagowalk or in person beginning at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the event. Interested individuals can join the TK Trekkers, form their own walking teams, or walk as an individual.

Chicago joins many other cities across the country that will host upcoming walks in 2012: San Jose, Calif.; Hartford, Conn.; College Park, Md.; St. Louis, Mo.; New York City; Indianapolis, Ind.; Houston, Texas; Baltimore, Md.; Fort Worth, Texas; Charlottesville, Va.; San Luis Obispo, Calif. and Austin, Texas. For more information on how to coordinate a walk in your city, visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/neda-walk-coord.php.

It's estimated that eating disorders affect more than 11 million people in the U.S. Ten to 15 percent of those struggling with anorexia or bulimia are male. Eating disorders can have significant and sustained impact on one's health and are statistically the deadliest of all mental illnesses. This makes groups like NEDA so important, and events to raise funds and awareness vital.

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.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.

Media Contacts:
Amy Gorczowski
Chicago NEDA Walk Volunteer Coordinator
Tel: 224-805-8880
[email protected]

Mary Anne Morrow
Director of Communications, Timberline Knolls
Tel: 602-359-6989
[email protected]

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center