Man walking across America stops in New Hanover County to spread message of hope, recovery

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– More than 10,000 miles into a journey across America, Kyndall Ray Edwards is carrying a simple message: “You matter.”

Edwards is walking across the country to raise awareness about mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention. The mission, he says, was born from his own struggles.

“So, I am walking across America for mental health and recovery because too many people are losing their lives daily to drug overdose, suicide, mental health, and recovery issues,” Edwards said.

Pushing a cart filled with his belongings and emblazoned with the words “You Matter,” Edwards recently made his way through Wilmington as part of a journey that began in Jacksonville, Florida, in January 2022.

The walk is deeply personal.

“In the last 18 years of my life, I’ve tried to take my life twice, I overdosed, I’ve been in county jail 11 times and prison twice,” Edwards said. “I have over seven years drug-free now, and I’m just a firm believer that my past does not define me.”

Since starting his cross-country trek, Edwards has documented more than 10,000 miles of travel through social media posts, photos, and maps. His route has taken him through the Florida Keys, the Mojave Desert, the Grand Canyon, the Pacific Northwest, and along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

One of the most memorable moments of the journey came on his 31st birthday.

“March 30th, 2024, I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge with a big group of people that came out with ‘You Matter’ signs, and the last person to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge and actually survive,” Edwards said. “It was a very special opportunity.”

Beyond the miles, Edwards has built a following as a public speaker and social media influencer, using his platform to encourage people struggling with addiction, depression, and other challenges.

During the interview, that impact was on display when another man joined the conversation and shared that he was four months sober.

Edwards quickly offered words of encouragement.

“Every day counts,” he said. “There’s 86,400 seconds in every day, and every second counts.”

As he leaves Wilmington and heads toward Surf City before meeting up with his father in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Edwards hopes his story inspires others to make positive changes in their own lives.

“As somebody who has changed my life from depression, addiction, and a life of crime, I want other people to know that there is hope,” Edwards said. “I want to inspire people to be able to make positive changes internally.”

To help Edwards’ mission, you can donate to his website, or head to his social media.