Starting the journey on Jan. 1, 2022, with his feet planted in the Atlantic Ocean, the Jacksonville, Florida native embarked on a 3,292-mile walk for the next 15 months.
This journey, which he originally only dreamed of from his prison cell, now encompasses his livelihood.
Honoring those lost to addiction and mental health adversities, Kyndal Ray Edwards aims to walk across all four corners of America as a testament to personal growth and change.
“I’m walking for mental health awareness and recovery in remembrance of people who have lost their lives to drug overdose,” Edwards said. “We’re also walking to let them know that there is always hope, that we do recover and that our past does not define us.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, Edwards passed through Littlefield, logging 7,100 miles traveled thus far. Edwards posted about this milestone on his social media accounts, A Walking Testimony.
The highlighter-yellow hoodie Edwards wears on his walks is not the only eye-catching item in his cargo. As he strolls along the side of the road, he pushes a cart with two signs that read, ‘Walking Across America’ and ‘You Matter.’ “This you matter sign… that really is the journey,” Edwards said. “People have told me that the sign saved their life that day. Everybody just needs a little bit of love, kindness and positivity.”
Additionally, Edwards sells shirts commemorating 180 names of individuals who passed due to addiction, depression, or both. 180 also represents the notion of turning one’s life around for the better and stepping in a new direction.
The newest edition is the thirteenth version of existing commemorating shirts.
“The shirts are in remembrance of people,” Edwards said, “as well as to let them know that they are always in our hearts.”
Edwards additionally raises money for Addict II Athlete, a nonprofit organization that encourages physical activity and community support for mental health.
As of Jan. 31, 2025, Edwards recorded $4,349.45 donations out of a $50,000 goal.
“(Addict II Athlete) is focused on mental health and erasing the negative habits that are destroying our life and leading us to an early grave and replacing them with positive habits,” Edwards said.
Before the journey, social media following and immense support, Edwards faced time in prison and battled struggles with mental health and addiction.
“I’m 31 years old, with 13 felony convictions on my record and a bunch of misdemeanors,” Edwards said. “I’m a firm believer that my past does not define me.”
Honoring his past actions, Edwards candidly speaks about his criminal record and mental health journey, noting the significance of personal growth and accountability.
“In 2013, I tried to put together a walk but just kept getting locked up,” Edwards said. “I did a fiveyear prison sentence, and two and a half years in, something clicked in my head. I thought, ‘I gotta change my life.’” After spending time working out in prison, Edwards recommitted his life post-prison to finding enrichment through movement and uplifting others.
Walking his followers along the journey, Edwards greets his supporters every morning with updates about his progress and where he’s headed. Through live streams and story posts, Edwards is seen trudging along the side of roads and walking alongside supporters who spontaneously join him – dogs, too.
Moreover, Edwards said people pull over and stop to thank him for the message on his signs.
“People have told me that the sign saved their life that day,” Edwards said.
As Edwards’ journey continues, his personal goal is to return to Jacksonville on April 12 and immerse himself in the ocean again to honor his six-year drugfree date.
In addition to walking the four corners of America, Edwards aspires to walk 100 miles on each continent next.
“I’m gonna try to go for a world record,” Edwards said.
Edwards’ journey continues this week through Lubbock and eventually Crosbyton. As he continues, he wants others to understand the significance of community support and recognizing one’s self-worth.
“At the end of the day, I want to encourage people to go out in their own community and make a difference,” Edwards said. “This journey is not for one side or the other or for one person – this journey is literally for everybody. We all deserve to have a little love and kindness and know that we matter.”
A supporter takes a selfie with mental health advocate Kyndal Ray Edwards before he heads out for a 17-mile walk on Jan. 28, 2025, in Littlefield, Texas. (Photo by Madison Vidales)