18-05-2025
NAMI hosts 25th annual Walkathon for mental health
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One in five Americans experience mental health problems each year, and a local walkathon has been helping improve the lives of those affected for the last 25 years.
Many individuals who suffer from mental health struggles do not like to speak about it or have the outlet to do so.
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'A lot of people, they just don't even know what to do with their loved ones or how to help themselves if they have a mental health diagnosis,' said Cathy Rogers, Executive Director of NAMI-WM.
But it was a different story for Tamari Cole after she learned about the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI-WM), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Now, Cole is the president of NAMI.
'I do 'In Our Own Voice,' share your own stories, I teach family in English and Spanish, I do peer support services,' Cole said.
Cole is one of nearly 200 people who come out every year to the annual walkathon at Stanley Park to share their story, with some even facing their fear of animals by petting therapy dogs and horses.
After the walk started at a church near Forest Park 25 years ago, it has become the non-profit's biggest fundraiser. They're hoping to raise $30,000 by December 31. However, organizers say that raising awareness is what's most important, and they are looking for volunteers to help.
'We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go,' Cole said.
Among the festivities were face painting, raffles, and guest speakers, including 22News Morning Anchor Rich Tettemer. He's been the MC of the walkathon ever since it started. As he retires on June 6, Tettemer had this to say for his final year at the event.
'We call it a journey of hope and recovery, and it's about making comebacks,' Tettemer said.
Tettemer said that despite retiring, he'll be back to help with the organization's mission.
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