TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A man walking across the country to raise awareness for mental health struggles and drug addiction has reached the Florida Capitol.<\/p>\n
Kyndal Ray Edwards said it\u2019s been his dream to walk across America since 2013, and now he\u2019s doing it. <\/p>\n
\u201cWalking in remembrance of our loved ones who are no longer with us due to mental health and recovery issues,\u201d Edwards said. He not only walks for those struggling with those issues but also to \u201clet them know that there is hope, that we do recover.\u201d<\/p>\n
The advocate began his mission in January 2022 from Jacksonville Beach to Long Beach, Washington.<\/p>\n
His current mission is to hit the four corners of the country, but this time for personal reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have tried to take my life twice. I have overdosed. I\u2019ve been in county jail 11 times and prison twice. I\u2019m 32 with 13 felony convictions and a bunch of misdemeanors, but I\u2019m also a firm believer that my past does not define me,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Edwards has been drug free for six years and three months.<\/p>\n
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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. <\/p>\n
\u201cI want people that are in those dark places to know that they don\u2019t have to be in those dark places, that there is hope, and to spread a little bit of love,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n
He added that sometimes people need to know someone cares for them, even if it is a stranger. \u201cAnd if I get to be that stranger, it\u2019s awesome,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Fidencio Gonzalez said he was hoping to see Edwards and was glad he got a picture. \u201cI was surprised when he said what he\u2019s already accomplished and what he has left,\u201d the local said.<\/p>\n
He wasn\u2019t the only one; local Teresa Finaldi was waiting for him at the Capitol. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve just been wanting to meet him and tell him how much he inspires a lot of people for what he\u2019s doing. He\u2019s really real. He\u2019s a real person and what he\u2019s done is amazing,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Edwards said he still struggles with things but tries to stay positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s super vital because I don\u2019t want to backtrack to where I was – on a path to destruction,\u201d the advocate said. <\/p>\n
Edwards has raised more than $16,000 for the nonprofit Addict II Athlete, and he\u2019s grateful for those who have given him housing and food along his journey. <\/p>\n
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