Everything Under The Sun: A Walk In Four Cities For OCD

Do you ever want to walk for a good cause? Well, lace up your sturdy walking shoes and get ready, because June 4, 2016 is the date of the I MILLION STEPS 4 OCD WALK to support the INTERNATIONAL OCD FOUNDATION (IOCDF). This foundation raises awareness of obsessive compulsive disorder and those who have it, while supporting research and treatment of the disorder.

This walk is being held in four different cities this year and each one has a designated Grand Marshal, an individual who is being recognized for their treatment work, advocacy, or commitment to helping those with OCD.

The New England Grand Marshal (for the Boston Walk) is Massachusetts State Representative Liz Malia, who is being recognized for her work as Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, where she leads efforts to improve access to mental health services, especially in under-served areas.

Rep. Malia commented, "These types of community-building events are powerful and important because they allow folks to more deeply understand mental health conditions and help to dispel stereotypes, misconceptions, and any stigma associated with them."

The Georgia affiliate has named Michael Jenike, MD, as the Grand Marshal for the Atlanta Walk. Dr. Jenike founded the OCD Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital. Because of his work, he has been a committed advocate for those who have OCD.

Dr. Janike expressed his enthusiasm, "The Walk is an ideal way to help create awareness while also raising money to support the work of the IOCDF and OCD Georgia. I am looking forward to being in Atlanta - so if you're in the area, come join us."

In Northern California, Eric W. McClendon was named the Grand Marshal for the Oakland Walk. Mr. McClendon has had the disorder, probably from childhood, and became an advocate after his long journey to diagnosis and, finally, treatment. He has experience as a long distance runner and has been working towards his MSW, so he can participate in helping the large group of individuals with severe mental illnesses in San Francisco, who cannot afford treatment.

One of the family walk teams in Boston last year.

Mr McClendon recounted, "You know, some say that being afflicted with mental illness is a negative impact and detriment in today's society. On the other hand, I believe that these three mental illness diagnoses are a gift that I will instead use to my advantage to pursue many dreams and goals, despite the negative influences caused from today's stigma."

Finally, moving to Texas, the Grand Marshal for the Houston Walk is Austin Vela, a local singer/songwriter, who has written and sung onstage with several stars and appeared on The Voice. He has also been an outspoken advocate for those with OCD and its related disorders, along with being diagnosed with the disorder himself.

Mr. Vela has spoken from the heart, "At the end of the day, we're all in this together. It's time to take a stand. It's time to raise awareness about mental illness (something not socially spoken of). It's time to take a 'disability' and turn it into an 'ability'. It's time for our world to know, it's going to be okay even though it's hard to rationalize at times. I would only be lying if I told you every day is not a struggle. Let's take a stand together!"

Northern California's walk in Sacramento last year.

If you happen to be in any of these areas, or want to organize a walk in your community, get in touch with IOCDF. Remember, anything can be done when we all work together.