This Thursday, February 26, 2015, Kirsten Haglund, Miss America ’08, will be speaking in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week in the Kelley Center Presentation room from 6:30-8:00pm. Haglund, who has had her own experiences with an eating disorder, will be speaking about ways to get professional treatment and how she overcame her eating disorder.
After becoming Miss America in 2008 and traveling the world, Haglund was inspired by the stories she heard from men and women who had recovered from eating disorders due to the professional help they were able to receive. However, she learned that eating disorders are not usually covered by health insurance and treatment can cost up to $2,500 per day. As a result of this, she founded the Kirsten Haglund Foundation for Eating Disorders.
The mission of Haglund’s foundation is “to provide hope, networking, and financial aid to those seeking treatment and freedom from eating disorders.” Haglund encourages those suffering from an eating disorder to show their bodies enough love and respect to obtain the resources needed to recover. Haglund says “that when you love and thereby accept yourself, you are better equipped to help others in your own unique way. Love you Body. Rock the World.”
Haglund’s talk on Thursday will be one that has a personal impact on many collegiettes, so it will be one not to miss.