2025 Freedom Walk - Columbia, MO

Program Details

Lynne Harvey - Emcee

Lynne Harvey is a 22 year-old University of Missouri graduate with a degree in Journalism (Strategic Communication). She is the reigning USA National Miss Kansas and a dedicated career advisor with a passion for television and film. Having experienced challenges in the past with her relationship with food, Lynne deeply respects the mission of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation. She is honored to emcee the Freedom Walk, supporting a cause that fosters healing, awareness, and empowerment.

Gracen Ripley - Speaker

Gracen Ripley is a 27-year-old eating disorder survivor who has been in recovery for six years. As a proud mother of two healthy boys, she credits her family and faith in God for giving her strength throughout her recovery journey. Passionate about raising awareness, she shares her story to inspires others and promote a message of hope, healing, and strength.

Lauren Eisleben, LPC is a clinical mental health therapist at Individual, Marriage & Family (IMF) Counseling in Columbia, MO where she sees individuals, couples, and families. She is also the Clinical Director of The Intensive, an intensive outpatient program within IMF Counseling. Lauren frequently works with adults who struggle with substance use, disordered eating, and eating disorder behaviors, particularly those who may not be sure what full recovery means for them. Lauren practices harm reduction in order to prioritize and promote safety, autonomy, and connection to others. She is trained specifically in Eating Disorder Harm Reduction, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems which are trauma-informed models of therapy that allow individuals and families to explore emotions and patterns underneath behaviors. Lauren is honored to be a part of the 3rd annual Freedom Walk in mid-Missouri!

Amanda Weller - Speaker

Amanda discovered her passion for mental health advocacy after recovering from her own eating disorder. She has shared her story through writing, social media, and speaking engagements. Now married and living in Chicago, Amanda helps coordinate fundraising events for the Kirsten Haglund Foundation. She is excited to be bringing two Freedom Walks to the midwest this spring - Columbia, MO and Chicago, IL!

Kate Czarny - Special Guest

Kate Czarny, Miss Mark Twain 2025 and a current Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student at Mizzou, is dedicated to community service and always seeking ways to give back. She is honored to attend Columbia’s 3rd Annual Freedom Walk as a special guest and stand alongside survivors, advocates, and supporters in the fight for eating disorder recovery.

Click here to order your walk apparel!

Megan Baker - Walk Coordinator

Megan is from Columbia, MO. Currently a sorority house director on the University of Missouri Campus, she has also worked with those recovering from substance use disorder. Having struggled with loving her body, she attended a women's conference in 2019 that helped her to realize the strength and power she had within.

To Get Involved:

• Become a sponsor, host a table, or volunteer, please email amandalewis.khf@gmail.com
• If you are unable to come walk with us, you can still make a tax-deductible gift by clicking on the "Donate" button located under the "Registration" bar or click here.
• All proceeds benefit the Kirsten Haglund Foundation's misssion to provide hope, networking and financial aid to those seeking treatment and freedom from eating disorders. Your generosity is cherished and please know you are helping to save lives.
• To learn more visit: kirstenhaglundfoundation.org

Thank you to our Walk Sponsors!

Thank You to our Annual Sponsors!