Dedicated walkers brave lousy conditions

Mike Ivey  —  10/06/2008 10:10 am

Despite a steady cold rain, more than 600 supporters turned out Sunday afternoon at Olin-Turville Park for the third annual NAMI Walks to raise awareness about mental illness.

Carrying umbrellas, wearing ponchos or just resigned to getting wet, the walkers snaked their way from the park shelter along John Nolen Drive to Monona Terrace before doubling back on the 5K route.

"This is a rain-or-shine event," said Barb Wolff, administrator for the Dane County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Just look at all the people out here today."

Among the walkers was Susan Dreyfus, daughter-in-law of the late former Gov. Lee Dreyfus, who served as honorary chairwoman of the event. That role was filled in 2007 by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin.

Dreyfus lost her father to suicide following a long bout with depression and noted that many families are impacted by serious conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. But too often, she said, people are afraid to speak out because of the stigma attached to mental illness.

"No matter the illness, whether it's cancer or diabetes or depression, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," Dreyfus told the crowd.

NAMI estimates that one in four adults, or 57 million Americans, will experience a mental health disorder in a given year. One in 17 Americans lives with a serious condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression, the group says.

Dreyfus noted that the Wall Street bailout bill passed Friday includes a provision to require mid-sized and large businesses that offer mental health coverage to provide benefits that are comparable to the benefits provided for physical ailments.

"Now we need to get the same thing done in Wisconsin," she said.

Wisconsin is one of only eight states in the nation that lacks so-called "mental health parity."

The 5K charity walk raised $85,000 last year with organizers looking to top the $100,000 mark in 2008.

"I'm optimistic we're going to make it," said Wolff, although final figures won't be compiled until Monday. "We had already raised more money on line than we did the entire first year."

Wolff gave special thanks to walk organizer Heidi Hastings, a teacher at Madison West High School.

While walkers braved the elements, volunteers gathered inside the warmth of the historic Olin Park shelter house. Amy Liem was there with the Okinawan Taiko Drummers of Wisconsin. Her daughter, Dory, a student at Madison West, is a member of the drumming group that led the walkers.

"The kids are the ones doing all the work," said Liem. "I'm just here watching the stuff."

Joe Brown was helping to organize post event food, including subs provided by Milio's Sandwiches

"Today is a good day to be volunteering inside," he said.

Brown was there with friends from the Mad Rollin' Dolls, a local female roller derby team. A half-dozen Rollin' Dolls participated in the walk, said team member Amy Basel.

The Capital Times is a Gold Sponsor for the event, along with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and Department of Psychiatry.

Mike Ivey  —  10/06/2008 10:10 am