Carolyn McKinley was interviewed by KNWA at a Northwest Arkansas area Wal-Mart discussing celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. Her interview will be aired June 26th, 2009 at 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm on KNWA and at 9:00 pm on the local Fox station.

The segment will also be available on the KNWA website, www.knwa.com.

Carolyn McKinley will be the honoree and spokesperson for NFCA’S Northwest Arkansas Celiac Awareness & Education Day this July 10th, 2009. Carolyn has been a valued NFCA volunteer since 2007, and her passionate efforts on behalf of the cause of celiac awareness stem from her experience with the autoimmune disorder.

To learn more about NFCA’s Northwest Arkansas Celiac Awareness & Education Day visit the beyondceliac.org upcoming events page.

More About Carolyn McKinley

A personal illness moved her to discover more—about herself, about her treatment options and ultimately about how to manage chronic disease.

And it was on this journey that her questions, her research and her awareness, helped fuel her passion for helping others.

Her celiac disease diagnosis required radical new ways of thinking about nutrition and food. But while she talks freely about her condition–Carolyn Lynch-McKinley does not let it define her.
Instead, she understands the very real and often anxious period that may precede or follow any health-related diagnosis. And for her, she is actively volunteering, counseling and guiding others on their own personal journey with Celiac Disease.

For those with similar diagnoses she takes them by the hand and guides them on a healthy gluten-free shopping experience in our local Walmart stores so they too can Save Money. Live Better. And her health leadership role extends beyond Walmart’s four walls. She is an active volunteer for the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness. In addition, she has joined the Celiac Sprue Association member of the governing board and president of the support groups in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas chapters.

Her volunteerism doesn’t stop with advocating for Celiac Awareness. As a tireless supporter for bringing breast health and awareness to the underserved, she is a driving force for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Northwest Arkansas. In addition, this powerhouse professional advocates the empowerment of others with a specific focus on developing strong female leaders. She is a long-time advocate and volunteer for Girls of Promise – a mentoring program for eighth-grade girls and Camp War Eagle youth.

Look around our community and you’ll likely find Carolyn—volunteer, mentor, supporter and champion. Without a doubt, she believes and effortlessly demonstrates how the power of one can make a difference.

Carolyn believes strongly that she is “making up for lost time.”