NAVARRE, Fla. — One man is walking across America for mental health awareness and recovery.

Kyndal Ray Edwards has made this his mission in life, walking in remembrance for those who have lost their lives to mental health or addiction problems, and supporting those trying to change their own.

Edwards was in Pensacola Wednesday and is now in Navarre as he works to spread his message across the country and beyond. He’s walking to all four corners of the United States raising awareness for mental health, while also fundraising for a nonprofit that helps those struggling with addiction.

“Hey, it’s day 752 walking across America for mental health and recovery to remind you that you matter,” said Edwards.

This dream started years ago for Edwards. But he dealt with his own struggles before he could make it happen.

“I tried to put together a walk for two totally different causes to take off Jan. 1, 2015,” Edwards said, “That same day, I ended up breaking into a post office instead of starting that journey and ended up in prison. Got out of prison and ended up back in prison for five years.”

Edward is a 13-time convicted felon. But at some point, something changed.

“Something clicked in my head to make a life change,” Edwards said.

And he did, and now he works to help others do the same.

“That’s a 180-degree turn that I had to take in my own life or I wouldn’t be here today,” Edwards said.

Part of that mission is done through these steps.

“We are officially getting on the grind,” said Edwards. “We’re on Pensacola Beach. We’re going to be walking towards Navarre about 9 or 10 miles today.”

Edwards will make his way through Navarre as he works his way down to Jacksonville. Then he’ll travel up the east coast, and after that a hundred miles on each continent.

“We want to make the biggest impact on this earth while living our best life in the process,” said Edwards.

Want to learn more about Edwards’ mission or follow his journey? .