Rae Walks Across America, 2013

After struggling for 10 years with my own eating and body image challenges, it's my turn to help others. On July 21, 2013, I set off to walk from Philadelphia, PA to Richland, WA (2,613 miles) in an estimated 94 days in order to raise and donate money to help others with their recovery and with Eating Disorder Research. Supporters could follow my journey on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RaeAcrossAmerica)!

My goal was to raise $5,000.00...that was less than $2.00 per mile from you!

Results: After only 100 miles, I was forced to return home with an infected foot. But nothing was for loss. We raised over $2,100 and were able to send two people to eating disorder treatment who would have otherwise not been able to afford it!

The Great Scale Smash, 2014

We had several supports get together to have a Great Scale Smashing Party. We've been shackled for too long to the number on the scale, and it's time to change that! In order to heal, we have to overcome the lies the scale tell us: that we're not good enough, that we need to lose more weight, etc. We are worth so much more than that!

At this event, I shared the story of my 10 year battle with an eating disorder and my road to recovery, after which we had some fun in destroying the shackles that hold us to these lies they call scales.

Guest Speaker at Horse Heaven Middle School, Kennewick 2010

My colleague, Audrey Callahan-Barnes, and I were invited to come share our stories of what it was like to live with an eating disorder and our stories of recovery with middle school students (6-8 grade). This was a wonderful experence and seemed to get wonderful feedback and interest from the students! We had a great time telling them that there's more to life than eating disorders and pray that our words inspired them to never go down that path!

1st Annual Body Positive Photo Shoot, 2016

In August of 2016, Rae Across America teamed up with Tasha Spaniel Photography to hold a Body Positive Photo Shoot. Everyone was welcome to attend...and the turn out was incredible! Women (and men) of all sizes, shapes, and colors showed up to celebrate their uniqueness and beauty. It was definitely an inspiration to all!

2nd Annual Body Positive Photo Shoot: August, 2017

The 1st Annual Body Positive Photo Shoot had such great feedback, we decided to try for a 2nd Annual!

Meet the Photographer

Rebecca (Becca) Schmidt is an incredibly talented and artistic photographer. Her work speaks for itself! Check it out at https://www.eventbrite.com/edit?eid=35500189021&preview=1#preview.

Meet the Photographer

Tasha Spaniel is a uniquely talented photographer and whose skill-set is immense. Having her join the 1st Annual Body Positive Photo Shoot was such a privilege and an honor. To check out more of her work, visit: www//facebook.com/tashaspanielphotography.

1st Annual Rae Across America 5k Benefit Run for Eating Disorder Treatment September, 2017

On September 16th, 2017, Rae Across America held their 1st annual 5k Benefit 5K Run for Eating Disorder Treatment in Richland, WA. All proceeds went to Eating Disorder Recovery, Inc to help fund Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program. We had almost 50 Runners and raised nearly $3,500 dollars! We even had Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher come out with the SWAT Team and the Richland Police. The kids loved getting to check out the official vehicles. Benton County Proscutor Andy Miller was also in attendance as one of the runners. Richland Police Offiecer, Michelle Goenen, came out and race the full 5K in her full police gear, which weighed 33lbs...she even finished 2nd overall!

Additionally, we had booths with Katie Klute from Wellness and Recovery of Easter WA and Kelsey Schmitt of Cactus and Clove Nutrition Center. They were able to talk to participants about the services they offer.

Kat Millicent of Millicent Custom Arts was also there painting faces for all the kiddos (which they absolutely loved!