He is scheduled to complete his journey on Saturday, October 16, in San Augustine, after covering about 100 miles per day. Along the way, he has stayed with NAMI families and spoken to local media and mental illness support groups. His ride for awareness is a labor of love and a symbol of the kind of dedication and commitment that all NAMI families have for parents, spouses, children, and siblings who must deal with mental illness. Mental illnesses are biological brain disorders. Treatment is available-although sometimes we have to fight for it.
Treatment does work, and there is hope for a future that includes recovery.
She didn't choose to be sick. The things she has to deal with us are bigger than us. I am not a doctor or researcher. I can't find a cure. But I can draw attention to mental illness and demonstrate how NAMI provides support to families like ours.