Strides Against Stigma

OCTOBER 7, 2023
The Sue Keller Memorial “Strides Against Stigma” Walk

WHEN: 4:00pm October 7, 2023
WHERE: Hessel Park,1401 Grandview Dr, Champaign, IL
HOW: In-person; REGISTER
CONTACT: email at events@namichampaign.org for more information.

It’s an exciting year for us! NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Champaign County is celebrating our 40th year of service to the East Central Illinois area and also remembering Sue Keller, our long-term volunteer, board member, and mental health advocate by commemorating this special Walk in her name.

Donate or raise $40 for a specially designed 40th Anniversary Sue Keller Memorial Strides Against Stigma Walk T-shirt in NAMI blue with orange lettering (Sue was a University of Illinois graduate!) Donation includes a one-year NAMI Champaign Membership!

  • There are 7 registration links for the Walk: $40, $20 (limited funds), $60 (Yourself + donation to help a fellow walker), paying by check/cash on WaIk Day, Team registrations–save $ with a team of more than 8 walkers, and for walking only. There is no fee to register to be a walker! We welcome everyone who would like to walk to support mental health & take ‘strides’ against stigma!

    NEW NOTE to all Walkers & Teams: Registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30th! We will then be placing orders to have your Walk T-shirt(s) here by Walk Day, Oct 7th.  
    Not only will you get your Memorial T-shirt but a one-year membership to NAMI Champaign!

    REGISTER ONLINE

  • If you want to raise money (and cover your registration fee), simply download and print this FUNDRAISING FORM
  • Please consider becoming a Sponsor of this event, which will include walker registrations, a NAMI Champaign Business Membership, and much more! There are FOUR Sponsorship Options Available! Sponsorships are due by Sept 26th.
    BECOME A SPONSOR
  • You can still donate or raise money for this event even if you cannot attend!
    DONATE TO THE WALK -or- Text STRIDESWALK to 44-321.
    Strides Against Stigma

Agenda for Walk day–Saturday, Oct 7th at Hessel Park Pavilion:
4:00-4:45pm Check in & on-site registration, pick up your Walk T-shirt (if pre-registered), put your name into raffle drawings, visit NAMI artists’ tables, Kid’s Korner, and informative mental health booths.
4:45-5:00pm Welcome & Announcements
5:00-5:40pm Enjoy a 40-minute walk around the Hessel Park Memorial Path. Kid’s Korner, NAMI artists’ tables & other booths will still be open.
5:40-6:00pm You did it! A BIG THANK you from NAMI Champaign! Pick up snacks, drinks, listen to announcements, and perhaps win some raffle prizes!

We want to thank you for your support–in whatever amount–through donations and positive thoughts–We appreciate you being with us on this mental health journey!



PAST EVENTS


Taking Strides Against Stigma
Stepping Together Towards a Brighter Future
Nearly one in Five U.S. adults live with mental illness (51.5 million in 2019)

2021 Event

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Strides Against Stigma Walk 2021

WHEN: Sunday, October 3, 2021; Registration – 1 p.m.; Walk – 2 p.m.
WHERE: Garden Pavilion, Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, IL
REGISTRATION: Strides Against Stigma Registration Form

Join us Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Meadowbrook Park for an in-person or virtual walk.

Make it a day you’ll remember!!

About Strides Against Stigma 👣

NAMI Champaign County (IL) has been hosting a Strides Against Stigma walk for the past 15. This event brings our community and campus together to be involved and take steps toward a brighter future for those living with a mental illness. By hosting a walk and virtual challenge, we are encouraging others to be aware of the stigma that surround people with lived experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. It is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health challenges. Our goal is to raise awareness, encourage change and voices to be heard, and to raise funds necessary to support our mental health education programs, advocacy, and program expansion across Champaign County and East Central Illinois.


Sponsor or Donate

You can get involved and show your support by:

  • Registering to walk at our October 3, 2021, Strides Against Event
  • Participating in virtual challenges
  • Buying an event t-shirt
  • Hosting your own fundraiser using Facebook, Crowdfund, or Instagram
  • Selecting NAMI Champaign as your charity on AmazonSmile
  • Donating through our PayPal link
  • Following us on Instagram, Twitter, and liking us on Facebook
    • Tagging us and using #StridesAgainstStigma, #YouarenotAlone, #Stigmafree in your posts
  • Joining NAMI

Your business can show your support by donating to NAMI Champaign County (IL) or sponsoring our Strides Against Stigma event. Email us at info@namichampaign.org

NAMI Champaign County (IL) is the affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness that services most of East Central Illinois including Champaign, Douglas, Effingham, Vermillion, and Coles county. We sponsor an outstanding NAMI on Campus Club at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, from which will come a new generation of providers and activists.Our mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy, to all persons living in our community who are affected by mental illness.We believe in the possibility of recovery, wellness and the potential in all of us. We embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. We promote confidence, self-efficacy and service. We practice respect, kindness and empathy, and fight for equity and justice. Your support helps make this happen.


2020 Virtual Event
Sunday, October 4, 2020

Puzzle pieces with STRIDE, S=Something you are grateful for, T=Time connecting with a good friend or relative, R=Reach out for help, I=I am important too, D=Do some Random Acts of Kindness, E=Exercise

Mental Health Awareness Week

Puzzle pieces with STIGMA, S=Social Issues, search for the facts; T=Talents, what talents do you have to help others?; I=I am ok. I can't control everything.; G=Growth, Am I growing in my knowledge of mental health?; M=Mental Toughness, Am I learning to be more resilient to issues I can't control?; A=Advocacy, Be an advocate.


2018 Event

People at the NAMI Champaign Strides Against Stigma 2018 event
Organization takes strides for mental health awareness – Daily Illini, October 9, 2018

Group photo Strides Against Stigma 2018