About KHF

The Mission of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation (KHF) is to provide hope, networking and financial aid to those seeking treatment and freedom from eating disorders.

The initiative to create KHF came from my own battle with an eating disorder, and desire to expand awareness of this disease. While traveling the country as Miss America, I heard firsthand, story after story, of young men and women who, with professional help, were able to recover from their eating disorder and embrace total wellness and health. Along with this truth however, comes the sad realization that treatment costs, largely not covered by health insurance, can be devastating. Residential treatment and/or inpatient care can be an individual’s only beacon of hope for recovery; their only chance at life. However, this specialized care can cost up to $2,500 PER DAY.

We know that cancer and diabetic treatment plans, emergency surgeries, and other life-threatening illnesses can be costly as well. Fortunately, someone with such a diagnosis may be covered by health insurance and not required to pay for treatment “out of pocket”. So why is this not the case when one is diagnosed with an eating disorder? The illness is not a choice nor is it a phase. Rather, it is a life-threatening, physical and mental illnesses that will require full and specialized treatment by professionals in the field.

While the Eating Disorders Coalition in Washington D.C., families, and activists across the country continue to work with our legislative bodies for Mental Health Parity (which passed, federally in 2008), and for comprehensive action related to eating disorders and insurance policies (see the FREED Act, www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org), there is still more that can be done. It is devastating to see a family left heartbroken and bankrupt because the insurance company does not recognize an eating disorder as an illness. Not one man or woman should die a victim to the disease, guilty and alone, because their family is depleted of resources and unable to pay for treatment. The Kirsten Haglund Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for treatment scholarships; to involve individuals, organizations, and businesses in raising awareness and provide hope for families and those waging the war on eating disorders (ED).

This foundation though raising awareness and providing resource links encourages standing up for one’s health and affordable treatment options. It encourages respecting and loving oneself or another enough to seek the resources needed to recover. This is a message not exclusive to eating disorders, but one that we all know… that when you love and thereby ACCEPT yourself, you are better equipped to help others in your own unique way. Love your Body. Rock the World.