Judy Davis knows that when it comes to mental illness, every family has a story to tell. So for the second year in a row, she is walking with the S.C. Mid–Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nationwide organization that promotes mental health. “Groups like NAMI give you a place to say, ‘I’m not alone’,” says Davis.

And on April 24, Davis won’t be walking alone. Approximately 500 people, including more than 70 teams of walkers, are signed up for NAMI’s five–kilometer walk to raise awareness for mental illness. But past president of Mid–Carolina NAMI and current board member for NAMI S.C., Joel “Buddy” Wier expects more will attend Saturday’s walk. The event had about 800 walkers the first year—2008—and about 1,100 walkers in 2009.

Davis’s own family was touched by mental illness, and she appreciates NAMI because the group is committed to taking away the stigma associated with mental illness. “NAMI has allowed me to feel a little bolder,” Davis says.

Davis is also part of a walking team committed to healthy South Carolinians. As Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield, she’ll be walking with Blue Cross Blue Shield and affiliate, Companion Benefit Alternatives. The company and its affiliates are presenting sponsors—a sponsor of 10,000 dollars—for the event. WIS Radio1320 and Magic 98.5 are also sponsoring the event at this level.

And organizers of NAMI’s walk are hoping to raise 125,000 dollars to invest in the organization’s programs, which include support groups, education meetings, facilities, future outreach efforts, and other resources to help families affected by mental illness.

Though funding is an important component of NAMI’s ability to reach out to those touched by mental illness, Wier says NAMI’s focus is on raising awareness for mental illness rather than on dollars because mental illness affects one in four adults. People commonly tell him how great NAMI is. But he says they always ask, “Why did it take me so long to learn about NAMI?”

This focus on raising awareness is one of the things that impressed Davis about the organization And the effort is what makes NAMI’s walk different. Walkers are encouraged to raise support, but they don’t have to pay a registration fee.

Those interested in walking may sign up online at www.nami.org/walk, or they can sign up in person the morning of the walk. Registration begins at 7:30 am and the walk starts at 9 at the West Columbia Riverwalk’s outdoor amphitheater. For more information, contact Wier at 528-1923.