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Supporters walk the distance for NAMI, loved ones ; NAMI: Fundraising goal $100,000

Topeka Capital Journal (KS) - 5/3/2015

Cherie Lynn Hopkins' friends didn't know the 39-year-old Topeka woman was suffering from depression.

And while her mother says she knew something was going on in Cherie's life, family members didn't expect Cherie to take her own life Feb. 19.

Cherie Hopkins' family members and several of her colleagues took part in Saturday morning's National Alliance on Mental Illness awareness walk in Gage Park.

"She was a wonderful, very giving person," said Stephany Hopkins, Cherie's mother. "She gave a lot to the community and to kids."

Cherie Hopkins worked as a preschool teacher and was a talented artist. She also worked with rescue dogs.

"She was just phenomenal," said Michelle Clark-Galvan, Cherie's sister.

Cherie's father, Stephen Hopkins, was pushing Clark-Galvan's 3- year-old son, Riley Galvan, in a stroller.

All of the family members wore red shirts in memory of Cherie.

"I think there are a lot of people out there who need help," Stephany Hopkins said. "They live in silence."

Some of Cherie's colleagues also took part in the walk as a way to honor Cherie.

"She was an amazing person, a fabulous artist," said Michelle Saighman.

Saighman's daughter, Paige, and Jenna Paz also worked with Cherie.

Michelle Saighman and Paz started art centers in their preschool classrooms as another way to honor Cherie.

More than 80 similar events take place across the country throughout the year to demonstrate support for individuals living with mental illness. NAMI, founded in 1979, is a national organization that advocates for better treatment of people suffering from mental illnesses.

The NAMI Walk of Kansas was expected to draw between 350 and 400 walkers, said Aubrey Jacobs, program director for NAMI Kansas.

Barbara Taylor and her daughter, Lisa Taylor, were two of about 20 people from Leavenworth County who took part in the walk.

"We just wanted to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather," Barbara Taylor said.

The mother-daughter duo said raising awareness about mental illness is important.

The walk has two purposes, Jacobs said -- to create awareness about mental illness and to reduce the stigma of mental illness in the community.

Saturday's walk already had brought in $56,000, Jacobs said. Last year, the event raised $82,000 for NAMI.

"Our goal is $100,000 this year," Jacobs said.

Donations will be accepted for another 60 days. People can make donations by visiting http://cjon.co/1DS0tpw. Cash and checks also are accepted at the NAMI Kansas office, 610 S.W. 10th Ave.

"Mental illness is something people don't want to talk about," Jacobs said. "It's really important to raise awareness about it."