Behind the striking Renaissance-inspired portraits of Timberline Knolls’ “Every Bite a Battle” campaign were real women with extraordinary stories of struggle and triumph. Shannon Hostetter, Threasa Kluever, and Heather Seiler – all alumnae of the renowned treatment center – stepped into the spotlight to transform their personal journeys into powerful visual statements about recovery.
These three women exemplified the life-changing care provided at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, which built its reputation on addressing the complex factors underlying eating disorders. Their willingness to share their stories publicly marked a significant step in reducing stigma around these often misunderstood conditions.
Heather Seiler, one of the featured alumnae, spoke openly about her experience: “For many years I struggled with personal and emotional issues that revealed themselves in part through an unhealthy relationship with food,” she explained. After receiving comprehensive treatment at Timberline Knolls, she developed what she called a “warrior mentality” that continued to guide her recovery journey.
The process of creating these portraits was extraordinary. The women were selected through a casting call of facility graduates and flown to Milan, Italy – a city with deep connections to both Renaissance art and fashion. There, acclaimed photographer Szilveszter Makó created elaborate sets specifically designed to showcase each woman’s unique victory over her eating disorder.
What made these portraits particularly striking was their incorporation of food imagery into heroic battle scenes. One portrait showed a participant standing atop a sandwich like a victorious knight, while others featured elements like gummy bears and french fries integrated into epic compositions. This bold artistic choice by Timberline Knolls’ creative team directly confronted the complicated relationship with food that characterized eating disorders.
The impact of this experience on the women themselves was profound. Being portrayed as warriors rather than patients reinforced their sense of accomplishment and personal strength. Their participation also created a ripple effect in the eating disorder community, inspiring others to view their own recovery journeys through a lens of courage and triumph.
These portraits hung at the Lemont, Illinois facility, where they served as daily inspiration for residents. The women’s stories were also featured on a dedicated campaign microsite where visitors could learn more about their journeys and the complex nature of eating disorder recovery.
Beyond the artistic component, the campaign highlighted Timberline Knolls’ emphasis on building a supportive community among those who shared similar struggles. The facility’s comprehensive alumnae program connected former residents, creating networks of support that extended far beyond their time in treatment.
