TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A 32-year-old man on a powerful mental health awareness walk across the United States has reached the Florida Capitol, carrying with him not only a message of healing, but also a journey of redemption, recovery, and purpose.
Kyndal Ray Edwards is on a mission to bring attention to the struggles surrounding mental illness and addiction—one step at a time. His mental health awareness walk began in January 2022 from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and has taken him across thousands of miles, all the way to Long Beach, Washington. Now, he aims to reach all four corners of the continental U.S. as part of a personal and national call for hope.
A Journey Born from Struggles
Edwards’ transformation has become the backbone of his mental health awareness walk. He has survived two suicide attempts, multiple overdoses, and years of incarceration—battles that many never escape. With 13 felony convictions and countless challenges behind him, Edwards has now been sober for over six years and is focused on helping others walk out of the darkness.
“I’m a firm believer that my past does not define me,” he said. “This walk is a reminder that people can change, heal, and rebuild their lives.”
Walking for Hope and Healing
What began as a personal goal has turned into a national awareness campaign. Edwards is using his mental health awareness walk to honor those who lost their lives to addiction and suicide, while inspiring those still struggling to seek help. Each step he takes represents stories of survival, loss, and the ongoing fight for mental wellness.
“I want people in those dark places to know they don’t have to stay there. There is hope. There is recovery,” Edwards said.
Supporting Addiction Recovery Through Action
As part of his mission, Edwards is raising funds for the nonprofit Addict II Athlete, which helps people replace harmful habits with healthy alternatives like community, sports, and service. His mental health awareness walk has already raised more than $16,000 to support the cause.
“Mental illness and addiction don’t discriminate,” he said. “Even a stranger can care. If I get to be that stranger, I’m honored.”
Impacting Lives Along the Way
The emotional impact of his journey is being felt in every town he passes. At the Florida Capitol, several supporters showed up to meet him. Local resident Teresa Finaldi said, “What he’s doing is amazing and inspiring. He’s very real. He’s walking for something so meaningful.”
Another supporter, Fidencio Gonzalez, expressed admiration for the distance Edwards has covered. “It’s incredible what he’s accomplished and how much more he’s planning to do.”
Mental Health and the Power of Perspective
Edwards admits recovery is ongoing. “I still struggle. But I focus on keeping that mental cup half full,” he said. “Staying positive, even on hard days, is super vital. I don’t want to go back to where I was.”
His mental health awareness walk is not just about overcoming addiction—it’s about maintaining emotional resilience and spreading hope in a world where mental health is often misunderstood or ignored.
Gratitude and Generosity Along the Journey
Throughout his mental health awareness walk, Edwards has relied on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and encouragement. He remains grateful to the communities that have embraced his mission and supported his cause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs )
Q1: Who is Kyndal Ray Edwards?
Kyndal Edwards is a mental health and addiction recovery advocate walking across the U.S. to raise awareness and funds through a mental health awareness walk.
Q2: What nonprofit is he supporting?
He’s raising money for Addict II Athlete, a nonprofit that promotes healthy living and recovery through physical activity and community support.
Q3: What is the purpose of his walk?
To honor lives lost to addiction and suicide, inspire others to recover, and build public awareness through his mental health awareness walk.
Q4: How much money has he raised so far?
Edwards has raised over $16,000 for mental health and addiction recovery efforts.
Q5: Where did his walk start, and where is he going?
He started in Jacksonville Beach, FL, reached Long Beach, WA, and now aims to visit all four corners of the U.S. as part of his extended mental health awareness walk.
