Earlier this month, Graphicsland was contacted by a longstanding customer seeking support for a cause that very close to his heart. Nine months ago, his son lost a devastating battle with mental illness, and just a few months later his eldest son Ian set out to do everything he could to raise awareness of this terrible sickness that affects untold millions across America.
“Every month we like to pick a charitable cause to support in any way we can. This month we are working on behalf of Ian Walks America. Ian is doing everything he can to raise awareness of mental illness in memory of his younger brother Ryan whom he lost to mental illness last November.” said Jerry Feil, President of Graphicsland.
Ian Cummins is currently walking coast to coast, starting in Virginia Beach on March 1st of 2014, and completing his walk in San Francisco. Those who wish to donate to Ian’s cause are directed through his website www.ianwalksamerica.com, to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. In describing his mission for Ian Walks America, Ian explains,
“I am seeking to make a positive impact on our country’s constant struggle with one of the most debilitating diseases in the world: suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide claims approximately 30,000 lives in America each year. Over the past four years my brother Ryan had been clashing with the pain of a suicidal thought process on a daily basis. He was but one of the thousands of Americans fighting to preserve the fragile balance their minds. On November 9, 2013, Ryan’s battle ended when he took his own life in the final attempt to overcome a sickness we know so little about. In Ryan’s honor, I will be walking coast to coast to share his story in a nationwide effort to battle mental illness through awareness. Proceeds will help benefit NAMI in their continuing commitment of spreading education, hope, and support to those who suffer with mental illness and their family members.”
Graphicsland is humbled to provide Ian’s family and friends with vinyl banners to welcome Ian as he crosses the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco, California completing his journey later this month. Along with the banner, Graphicsland is also providing bumper stickers to help continue bringing attention to Ian’s efforts and shine a light on the awful devastation that mental illness causes.
About Ian Walks America: – Walking across the entire country, walking through 10 different states, over six month, and connecting with countless lives along the way; Ian walks in the memory of his brother and on behalf of the millions of individuals that battle against mental illness each day. He walks to bring awareness to a disease that is many times kept in the dark due to shame, fear, and all too often, ignorance. For more information please visit http://www.ianwalksamerica.com and the non-profit organization he is collecting funds for, the National Alliance on Mental Illness at http://www.nami.org