The weather was much more cooperative for this years National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Walk than it was last year. Last years event held at Fejevary park was cold and rainy. Today's event May 2 was sunny and 65 degrees. The expected turn out was 1,500. The number of participants crossing the finish line was 852. There were also a good number of volunteers who didn't walk.

     The purpose of the NAMI walk is to raise awareness and money to support services for the mentally ill. For many participants it is a change to proudly take a step towards not feeling alone with their illness. It is also a chance to meet and greet service providers in a more social setting.

Individuals and teams showed up for this 5K walk around Credit Island in Davenport. Vera French the major supporter of the event showed up in force with matching T-shirts.

     Other teams had matching shirts and there was even a T- shirt contest, which was all in fun. Individuals and teams could be supported through donations. the fundraising goal was $95,000. At press time 61% of that had been achieved or $57,837.50 but, the donations from today have not been tallied.

     Individuals who did not have any money were still admitted and could still receive a free T-shirt. The T-shirt boldly advertises that the wearer is part of the community that cares about the mentally ill.

It was quite a crowd a the starting line. A Christian rock band played in the background. One woman walking a dog fell several times but the crowd looked after her. Some people jogged. Two people on bicycles and a woman walking were going the wrong way evidently surprised that the event was taking place.

     It seemed like just a walk in the park, but it was more than that. As NAMI of Scott County nears the celebration of it's 30th anniversary on June 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, it marks a huge step forward in breaking down stigmas. The walk marks continuing progress from days when the mentally ill were ostracized and locked up.