U-TURN: Man to conclude 12,000 mile journey in Maine
A mental health advocate spreads his message, ‘you matter, ’ throughout the country, coast to coast.
Kyndal Ray Edwards on the side of busy U.S. Route 1 in Prospect. Soon after this photo, he took a detour to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Photo by Maizy Weirich.
Oct. 19, 2026
By Maizy Weirich
PROSPECT – Kyndal Ray Edwards is days away from completing his 12,000-mile trek across America, walking and running across all four corners of the lower 48 states, as well as along both the east and west coasts, for mental health awareness and recovery.
As an endurance athlete and mental health advocate, Edwards is pushing his body to new limits to share a mission that hits close to home.
“I’m personally over 90 months [sober] since I decided to change my life and make a positive change, not to be the old person I was that was making life-destructive changes,” Edwards said. “There’s too many people who are losing their lives to drug overdose and suicide.”
Edwards has publicly documented his journey on social media, where he has gained nearly 100,000 followers on Facebook, almost 50,000 followers on Instagram, and 80,000 on TikTok.
“Tomorrow needs everybody.”
“I walk in remembrance of over 5,800 names, more submitted every day through my Facebook, of people who have lost their lives due to these causes,” Edwards said.
Throughout the country, drivers have easily recognized him on the shoulder of roads, where he pushes a large stroller with a sign that reads “YOU MATTER.” Edwards documents many interactions he has with passersby on his social media who pull over and walk with him, share their story, or just give him a hug.
Along with his frequent updates on social media, he live streams his walks on Facebook daily. He also hosts meet-and-greets in the parking lots of his nightly lodgings. On Oct. 17, Edwards stayed at the Bucksport Inn, and then continued his journey to Ellsworth the next day, working his way northeast.
While Edwards walks to remember those who have passed, he also shares his message for everyone who is still here.
“I’m walking for the ones who are out there that feel hopeless, that feel like nobody cares, and that are struggling, " Edwards said. “To let them know that they do matter, that we all have value and purpose, and that tomorrow needs everybody.”
In every major corner of the country Edwards has walked, he said he takes about a month off. He also had to take a couple of other pit stops amid his journey, including a two-month hiatus for hernia surgery.
Edwards' over 12,000-mile pilgrimage will conclude at the most eastern part of Maine, West Quoddy Head Light House in Lubec on Oct. 25. He is hopeful for a strong turnout of people at the finish line.
To follow along on the last few remaining days of Edwards’ walks across America, search Kyndal Ray Edwards on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
