Walkers for mental illness raise awareness, funds

The streets of Quincy were full of walkers and runners on April 30 as part of Inter-faith Social Services 42nd annual South Shore Walk and 5K Race. Hundreds turned out in a huge show of support to challenge stereotypes and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. This is the first year that the entire focus of the event was aimed at raising awareness about these issues.

"We've been hosting this walkathon for over four decades," said Interfaith's executive director, Rick Doane. "The purpose has always been to raise awareness about the various needs that exist in our community which Interfaith's programs address: hunger, poverty and mental health. However, this year we decided to focus the entire event around one very important issue. Nearly everyone in our community knows someone who has been affected by mental illness or addiction. There are cancer walks and hunger walks; people talk openly about these issues and maladies. Why not mental illness? One in five adults in America experience mental illness every year. Millions are suffering, yet people don't discuss it openly. That is why we decided to focus our event around this concern."

The event raised more than $26,000.

Interfaith's walkathon has become an annual tradition for many South Shore residents. Some participants have been doing it every year for forty years.

In addition to the Walk and 5K Interfaith hosts Family Fun Celebration as part of the festivities. Activities included: kids' games, face painting, music and raffles.