First Community Walk in Chicago to Help Raise Eating Disorder Awareness, One Step at a Time

CHICAGO, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recovery from an eating disorder is a long and lengthy battle, and one that must be accomplished one step at a time. And on June 25, supporters and advocates will gather at 10:30 a.m. in Lincoln Park for the inaugural one-mile Chicago NEDA Walk, sponsored by Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is bringing together the Chicago community to increase eating disorder awareness and raise funds to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders. As a premier national residential treatment center, Timberline Knolls is doing its part as the lead sponsor for the event and by forming its own walking team – The TK Trekkers – led by medical director, Kimberly Dennis, M.D., with team participants that include staff, former residents, families and friends, and other behavioral health professionals. Timberline Knolls has a goal to recruit 50 or more individuals to join its team for the event.

"Awareness efforts are key in fighting eating disorders," said Dr. Dennis. "I hope many can join us on June 25, as we walk to raise awareness and help to fight these deadly diseases. If you can't be there in person, any contribution will help NEDA continue to build on critical programs and services. We can all be part of the solution."

Chicago joins eight other cities around the country that will host upcoming walks in 2011: Napa, Calif.; Methuen, Mass.; Portland, Ore.; Florence, Mass.; Williamsburg, Va.; Charlottesville, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; and NEDA's largest walk will take place in New York City in October. Walks in other cities are continuously being added, which can be organized by anyone, anywhere. For more information on how to coordinate a walk in your city, visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/neda-walk-coord.php.

You can pre-register for the Chicago walk online (http://neda.nationaleatingdisorders.org/site/TR?fr_id=1420&pg=entry) or in person beginning at 9:30 a.m. the morning of the event. Interested persons can join The TK Trekkers, form their own walking teams, or walk as individuals.

"Eating disorders are serious, deadly diseases, but treatment is available, and lifelong recovery is possible for all those affected. We can all help to make a difference, one step at a time," said Dr. Dennis.

In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, and millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder. This makes groups like NEDA all the more needed and important, and events to raise funds and awareness vital.

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for eating disorders and substance abuse, with or without trauma, a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder for women and girls (ages 12 and older) in suburban Chicago.

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

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