TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A man walking across the country to raise awareness for mental health struggles and drug addiction has reached the Florida Capitol.
Kyndal Ray Edwards said it’s been his dream to walk across America since 2013, and now he’s doing it.
“Walking in remembrance of our loved ones who are no longer with us due to mental health and recovery issues,” Edwards said. He not only walks for those struggling with those issues but also to “let them know that there is hope, that we do recover.”
The advocate began his mission in January 2022 from Jacksonville Beach to Long Beach, Washington.
His current mission is to hit the four corners of the country, but this time for personal reasons.
“I have tried to take my life twice. I have overdosed. I’ve been in county jail 11 times and prison twice. I’m 32 with 13 felony convictions and a bunch of misdemeanors, but I’m also a firm believer that my past does not define me,” he said.
Edwards has been drug free for six years and three months.
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The walk is also to raise money for the nonprofit Addict II Athlete, an organization devoted to supporting mental health and recovery.
“I want people that are in those dark places to know that they don’t have to be in those dark places, that there is hope, and to spread a little bit of love,” Edwards said.
He added that sometimes people need to know someone cares for them, even if it is a stranger. “And if I get to be that stranger, it’s awesome,” he said.
Fidencio Gonzalez said he was hoping to see Edwards and was glad he got a picture. “I was surprised when he said what he’s already accomplished and what he has left,” the local said.
He wasn’t the only one; local Teresa Finaldi was waiting for him at the Capitol.
“I’ve just been wanting to meet him and tell him how much he inspires a lot of people for what he’s doing. He’s really real. He’s a real person and what he’s done is amazing,” she said.
Edwards said he still struggles with things but tries to stay positive.
“It’s keeping that cup half full over half negative. Forcing myself to think those positive things, even on the hard days and even on the bad days. It’s super vital because I don’t want to backtrack to where I was – on a path to destruction,” the advocate said.
Edwards has raised more than $16,000 for the nonprofit Addict II Athlete, and he’s grateful for those who have given him housing and food along his journey.
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