Cross-Country Walker Advocates for Mental Health at Florida Capitol
Journey Highlights Hope Amidst Personal Struggles
A man on a mission to raise awareness for mental health and addiction has reached Florida’s state capitol. Kyndal Ray Edwards, who embarked on a coast-to-coast walk, aims to inspire hope and honor those lost to these battles.
A Walk of Remembrance and Recovery
Edwards‘ cross-country trek, which began in January 2022 from Jacksonville Beach to Long Beach, Washington, is rooted in personal experience. He walks “in remembrance of our loved ones who are no longer with us due to mental health and recovery issues,” stating his goal is to show others that “there is hope, that we do recover.”
His current endeavor focuses on reaching the four corners of the nation. Edwards, 32, shared his own history of overcoming immense challenges, including two suicide attempts, overdoses, 11 jail stints, and two prison sentences. Despite 13 felony convictions and numerous misdemeanors, he emphasizes, “I’m also a firm believer that my past does not define me.” He proudly states he has been drug-free for over six years.
Supporting Addict II Athlete
The walk also serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Addict II Athlete, an organization dedicated to supporting mental health and recovery. Edwards hopes to convey a message of hope to those in dark places, believing that “sometimes people need to know someone cares for them, even if it is a stranger.”
Local residents expressed their admiration for Edwards‘ commitment. Fidencio Gonzalez, who met him at the Capitol, was impressed by his accomplishments. “I was surprised when he said what he’s already accomplished and what he has left,” Gonzalez remarked. Another local, Teresa Finaldi, waited to meet him, saying, “He’s really real. He’s a real person and what he’s done is amazing.”
Maintaining Positivity on the Path
Edwards acknowledges that recovery is an ongoing process. He maintains positivity by “keeping that cup half full over half negative.” This conscious effort to think positively, even on difficult days, is crucial for him to avoid returning to his “path to destruction.”
To date, Edwards has raised more than $16,000 for Addict II Athlete and is thankful for the generosity of those who have provided him with housing and food during his journey.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that in 2022, over 64 million Americans experienced a mental illness, and approximately 23.5 million required treatment for substance use disorders, highlighting the critical need for advocates like Edwards (SAMHSA, 2022).
