A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step

Welcome to the Journey: A Walk for Suicide Awareness and Mental Fitness

On January 7th, 2025, I, Leisa Aras, will embark on a journey that spans 130 days and stretches over 3,000 miles—walking from Los Angeles to New York City. This is not just a physical challenge; it is a mission. A mission to raise awareness for suicide prevention, promote mental fitness, and remind everyone that mental health is just as important as physical health.

This journey represents my commitment to changing the conversation around mental health and breaking the stigma that surrounds suicide. As I walk, I’ll be stepping for those who have suffered in silence and for those who continue to fight for their mental well-being every single day.

Why This Walk?

Mental health affects everyone, yet the conversation around it remains largely unspoken, especially when it comes to suicide awareness. Through this trek, I aim to spark important conversations, provide resources, and share stories of hope and resilience. Every mile covered will be dedicated to those struggling, those we've lost, and the belief that together we can make a difference.

What To Expect Along The Way

This walk is not just about me—it's about all of us. As I move forward, I'll be connecting with communities across the United States, sharing stories, and raising awareness. Along the route, I will be:

• Sharing Inspirational Stories: Stories of resilience, strength, and hope will keep us motivated.
• Promoting Mental Fitness: Alongside physical endurance, I’ll be focusing on mental fitness through daily exercises and practices.
• Connecting With Others: Every step I take is a reminder that we are not alone, and that together, we can break the stigma around mental health.

Follow The Journey

You can be part of this journey, too. Through regular updates on my social media, I will share not only my progress but also daily reflections, mental health tips, and highlights from communities I encounter. Join me in creating a ripple effect that spreads understanding and hope.

• Campaigns like "Keep Me Posted" will help keep you updated and provide ways for you to engage and share your own story.
• "Stamp Out The Stigma" will encourage us to confront the stigma around mental health and share our messages of support.

Get Involved

This journey is only possible because of the support from people like you. There are many ways you can be a part of this:

• Follow My Journey: Stay updated on my progress, watch my stories, and share them with others.
• Donate: Every step counts. Your donations will go directly to mental health organizations and suicide prevention efforts.
• Spread The Word: Help raise awareness by talking about mental health, sharing this journey, and starting conversations within your own communities.

The Road Ahead

Every day is a step toward healing, understanding, and breaking down the barriers that prevent us from talking openly about mental health. With 30 days to go, the excitement is building, and the countdown to January 7th, 2025 has begun. I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, let’s make every step count.

Let’s walk toward a future where mental fitness and suicide prevention are part of the everyday conversation.