NAMIWalks participants gather at the Levy Senior Center. Credit: Heidi Randhava
A group of Evanston residents on Saturday participated in a mental health walk for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, on the James Park track behind the Levy Senior Center. Organized for the second consecutive year by Evanston resident Mamie Redus, the event aligned with NAMIWalks held on the first Saturday of every October in more than 200 locations nationwide.
Dorothy McDonald greets NAMIWalks participants at the Levy Senior Center. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Walkers sign in. Credit: Heidi RandhavaNAMI’s oldest signature fundraising and awareness event, the walks are an opportunity for people to build community and support those impacted by mental illness. The program is the country’s largest mental health event series. A larger NAMIWalks Chicago event was held in Jackson Park, and at least four neighboring communities in Cook, DuPage and McHenry counties hosted their own walks.
Close to 50 people of all ages participated in the Evanston walk on a day that felt more like mid-summer than early autumn. Many were friends, colleagues or family members of Redus who said they were inspired by her commitment to NAMI’s mission of education, advocacy, support and awareness. Redus’ sister, Dorothy McDonald, also helped set up the event.
Vonetta Grant and twin sons, Jonathan and Joel, lead the way. Credit: Heidi Randhava
“I’m very happy because we got more people than last year,” said McDonald. “This is very dear to my sister, Mamie. … Next year, I hope it’s even bigger because it’s so important to help the mental wellness of everyone. That’s the reason I’m here.”
NAMIWalks organizer Mamie Redus and sister Dorothy McDonald. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Many participants said they attended the event last year and plan to participate in coming years, too.
“This helps raise awareness that many people need mental health support. Mental health, and treating mental health disorders, should be a number one priority,” said Rashad Redus, Mamie Redus’ son.
Rashad Redus, left, and Abenaa Redus walk for mental health. Credit: Heidi Randhava
He added that the mental health walks can have a far-reaching impact. “I think it’s good for the community, too — for walking and trying to get everyone together as a unit,” he said.
Vonetta Grant participated in the event for the second time, along with her 9-year-old twin sons, Jonathan and Joel.
“Their mental health is really important to me,” Grant said about her sons. “I tell them, ‘If something is bothering you, you need to tell an adult.’ We talk and ask each other, ‘How was your day?’”
Participant Lisa Lester said she made it a priority to attend the walk to raise awareness and openly talk about mental health. “This walk is very important,” said Lester. “Much of the time, people suffering from mental illness internalize it … and that’s not good.”
Monique Redus-Robi, center, with daughters Nova and Demi. Credit: Heidi Randhava
NAMIWalks organizer Mamie Redus and supporter John Walstrum. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Joy Shaw-Horton, left, and Yolanda Johnson relax after the walk. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Young participants enjoy a snack after walking for mental health. Credit: Heidi Randhava
John Walstrum said he couldn’t help but stop to support the walk after watching his grandson play baseball at James Park. “I saw the sign, and I’m all about being in favor of mental health awareness, so this is great,” he said. “It’s still hard to tell somebody that you’ve got a mental illness. … It’s not visible, and people aren’t always sympathetic because they can’t see it. But it sure hurts.”
Another participant, Yolanda Johnson, spoke about the importance of advocacy and encouraged “all of us to speak up to support awareness of mental health issues. I believe the stigma is still there. It makes people hesitant to reach out for help. … But if you need help, you need help.”
Joy Shaw-Horton completes the NAMIWalk. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Joy Shaw-Horton said she learned about the walk from Mamie Redus, a longtime friend.
“I walk because there are so many people who are affected by mental illness in this city called Evanston and around the world,” she said. “I see too many young people being affected, and that is the reason for this event, to walk for them.”
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