About the project
The focus of this project is to raise awareness about mental health in America through social media, television, news papers, and radio shows. As well as give speeches to mental health organizations along the way. Mental health is something that hits home since I live with a mental health condition. In 2012, I became disabled after a tragic medical accident where I fell into a catatonic state twice wIthin a short span of time. Also back in 2012 i began my kayaking journey and used nature as a healing tool to recover.
My journey to healing and recovery involved kayaking 8 miles everyday for 4 months straight. In August of 2019, I embarked on my greatest journey yet. My mission was to kayak from Pittsburgh to Cairo Illinois all while raising awareness all 981 miles. I did it as an awareness paddle and I intend to do the entire Mississippi June 1st 2021. Kayaking is my life and raising awareness is my passion.
This project is a precursor to forming a non profit called Kayaking 4 a Cause. Kayaking 4 a Cause will be provide educational nature trips to folks who live with mental health conditions and engage them in the healing properties of nature.
The Steps
- Fall 2020 Meet with leaders in the mental health field in the greater Cincinnati area to create awareness building resources to educate community groups during the Awareness Paddle in Summer 2021
- January 2021-May 2021 Prepare for the trip
- Finalize Resources
- Schedule Speaking Engagements
- Train for the trip
- Begin legal process to form 501(c)3
- June 2021
- Launch Day of my education and awareness paddle
- Kayak 4 a Cause is an official non profit
- June 1-August 1, 2021
- Kayak the entire Mississippi River
- Deliver awareness building presentations to community groups in cities and towns along the Mississippi River.
- Share the mission of Kayaking 4 a Cause and promote the program to potential participants and partner organizations
- Raise awareness through media outlets
- Network with mental health service providers along the way
- Fall 2021 develop Kayaking 4 a Cause programming
- Spring/Summer 2022 Kayaking 4 a Cause trips begin
Why we‘re doing it
Kayak 4 a Cause will provide resources, support and respite in a natural setting through kayaking to individuals living with a mental health diagnosis. This cause is important to me because I also live with ongoing mental health conditions. I have seen how time in a natural setting, experiential learning and time with others has positively impacted my mental health and Kayak 4 a Cause seeks to offer that same experience to others with mental health conditions. This nonprofit will show stewardship and volunteerism within the community. I want to raise awareness because its a powerful tool to break down the stigma and engage others in talking about mental health.