CNN Mental Health Warrior Mia St. John to speak at NAMIWalks on May 4

NAMIWalks coming to Finlay Park May 4

Help end the stigma around mental illness and join NAMIWalks on May 4 in Finlay Park at 930 Laurel St. in downtown Columbia. Onsite registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

This year’s featured guest is CNN Mental Health Warrior and professional boxer Mia St. John, whose son passed away at the age of 24 while battling schizophrenia and addiction. She’s the ex-wife of well-known Young & the Restless actor Kristoff St. John, who died earlier this year while dealing with the loss of their son. Their story is a powerful one that clearly demonstrates that mental health impacts everyone, regardless of life circumstances.

The May 4 walk is a family friendly event with entertainment and fun for the whole family, including music by TJ McKay and a game truck from Palmetto Mobile Arcade. James Patrick the Fitness Guru will lead a warmup as the walk kicks off and Miss Lexington 2019 Yvannah Garcia will make an appearance. Food trucks and other entertainment will also be on site.

Why join the movement? Because one in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions.

“Each person who joins us on May 4 shows the millions impacted by mental illness every day that they matter,” says Zenethia Brown, executive director of NAMI Mid-Carolina. “Ending the stigma around mental illness will help eliminate the shame, fear and silence that prevent many people from seeking help and treatment.”

The Columbia walk is one of nearly 100 across the country, raising the funds needed to provide help and hope to families and individuals here in our own community.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Register today and be a part of this effort to end the stigma around mental illness. Visit https://www.namiwalks.org/midcarolina or call (803) 206-2916.