Contact: Kristin Cole, 972-267-1111, Kristin@alarryross.com

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, national eating disorders awareness advocate, and community relations specialist for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, is featured in a new, 12-minute I Am Second White Chair Film, revealing her struggle with an eating disorder and how she found hope in Christ.

"There is so much shame and stigma that surrounds eating disorders," said Haglund. "I hope that sharing what I went through and the freedom I experience now in recovery will help give others hope: to know that they are not alone, and that eating disorders are serious, but can be overcome. Life can be beautiful and full and free."
 
I Am Second is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 in Dallas, Texas. It inspires people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Prominent actors, athletes, musicians, business leaders and former drug addicts have all shared their stories of recovery and hope with I Am Second.

In 2011, Kirsten joined the outreach team at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center near Chicago, where she works as Community Relations Specialist and travels throughout the country sharing her personal recovery story. It is her mission to encourage young women and be outspoken about the fact that these serious deadly illnesses are not glamorous. She also wants to reinforce that women have the right and the responsibility to define beauty on their own terms; to love and respect themselves and their bodies first and foremost.

As Miss America, she had the privilege of joining ranks with the Eating Disorders Coalition in Washington, DC, to lobby Congress for the passage of Mental Health Parity, as well as speak at a Congressional Briefing introducing the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act (FREED) Act. 

Bringing hope and a voice to those struggling with eating disorders, Kirsten founded The Kirsten Haglund Foundation to provide financial assistance to families and individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders. In 2012, she became an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association. Kirsten obtained a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at Emory University in Atlanta, and resides in New York City with her husband.

Haglund's film on I Am Second: iamsecond.com/kirstenhaglund

For more information on I Am Second visit www.iamsecond.com or contact Kristin Cole at 972.267.1111, email at Kristin@alarryross.com.

About Timberline Knolls:
Timberline Knolls is a leading 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, LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls and Twitter - @TimberlineToday.