A man is walking across the United States to raise awareness for mental health and addiction recovery.
This week, his journey brings him through Eastern North Carolina.
Check it out, we made it to Onslow County, North Carolina.
After walking more than 10,000 miles across America, Kyndal Edwards is back on the road. His latest journey takes him from Florida to Maine, right through Eastern North Carolina.
It’s awesome to see people smiling and get happy about a random stranger that’s just walking down the road pulling a cart.
Edwards says the walk is meant to bring awareness to mental health, addiction recovery, and the importance of community. He says the mission is also personal.
The last 18 years of my life, I have tried to take my life twice. I have overdosed. I have been in county jail 11 times, prison twice, 33 with 13 felony convictions and a bunch of misdemeanors. But I’m a firm believer that my past does not define me and that there is always hope.
So far, Edwards has spent more than 500 days walking. He’s partnering with Never Alone Recovery, helping people affected by addiction and hoping that sharing his story will encourage others who may be struggling.
No matter how big of a hole you dig yourself into, there’s always a rope long enough to get yourself out. You don’t have to hang yourself with the rope. You can go out there and pull yourself out. You’re talking to a 13-time convicted felon. I know it’s possible. I get to go back into county jail and share my story.
Over the next few weeks, Edwards plans to walk through Jacksonville, Emerald Isle, New Bern, Greenville, and toward Elizabeth City before continuing north.