Man Walks Across America for Mental Health Awareness
In a powerful act of resilience, one man is traversing the United States on foot. His mission: to spotlight mental health recovery and support those battling addiction, transforming personal struggle into a nationwide campaign of hope and action.
A Journey of Purpose
Kyndal Ray Edwards is undertaking an extraordinary journey across the country. His goal is to raise awareness about mental health. He is also fundraising for a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding individuals grappling with addiction.
Hey, it's day 752 walking across America for mental health and recovery to remind you that you matter. #mentalhealth #recovery #youmatter #walkingacrossamerica
— Kyndal Ray Edwards (@KyndalEdwards) May 2, 2024
“Hey, it’s day 752 walking across America for mental health and recovery to remind you that you matter,”
—Kyndal Edwards
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness (Source).
Personal Transformation
Edwards’ quest has a deeply personal backstory. He once faced his own significant challenges before he could start his journey.
“I tried to put together a walk for two totally different causes to take off Jan. 1, 2015,” Edwards said, “That same day, I ended up breaking into a post office instead of starting that journey and ended up in prison. Got out of prison and ended up back in prison for five years.”
Once a 13-time convicted felon, Edwards experienced a profound change.
“Something clicked in my head to make a life change,” Edwards said.
This transformation prompted him to help others pursue similar changes.
“That’s a 180-degree turn that I had to take in my own life or I wouldn’t be here today,” Edwards said.
Current Route
Currently, Edwards is making his way through Navarre, Florida. From there, he plans to head to Jacksonville, then up the East Coast, before walking hundreds of miles in multiple continents.
“We want to make the biggest impact on this earth while living our best life in the process,” Edwards said.
For more information, visit his Facebook page.