Travis Miner was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder when he was in his early 20s. Since then, he has used his disability as a chance to educate others about mental illness in hope of normalizing something that many people, even today, are afraid of.

Minor and others speak at local high schools and colleges to share their stories about mental illness as part of a program called In Our Own Voice. The program is funded by the Washington chapter of the NAMI.

“It makes me feel good to be there helping them learn about something that may be affecting someone that they know or someone in their family,” said Miner, who has been involved for two years.

This year, Kirkland will host Washington’s NAMI Walk to show support for those who have or know someone with a mental illness.

NAMI provides many resources, including free courses for people with mental illness, as well as for families who have loved ones with a disability. Miner said Peer to Peer, a 10-week free program designed for people with mental illnesses, allows people to connect and learn from each other.

NAMI also coordinates various support groups for those who have a disorder. From knitting to walking, NAMI facilitates bonds and friendship between people.

Miner is involved with many groups including a dinner group, where people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can gather around the table and enjoy a meal with each other once a week.

“Here I can find other people like myself. I can be open with these people and share things with them,” Miner said.

Gazala Uradnik, NAMI’s Walk Coordinator, said this event is the only fundraiser that NAMI Washington does each year. People from all over the state gather and show their support for those who have disorders.

“This [fundraised] money keeps those educational, advocacy and support programs running throughout the year,” Uradnik said. “NAMI helps reach individuals and families who are struggling with mental illness and provides a range of different programs.”

Elizabeth Fagin, director of education and communications at Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, is taking a part in the NAMI Walk in memory of her daughter Melissa, who committed suicide nearly two years ago. Her daughter suffered with body dismorphia for most of her life, yet her mother notes she continuously “exuded love and connection with other people.”

“I wanted to do something to honor [her 25th birthday] and honor her,” Fagin said.

As part of Team Melissa, Fagin and the Bet Alef school will be walking together to show support for those with mental illnesses, especially those who have been affected by suicide.

“One thing that has completely blown me away is how many peoples’ lives have been touched or shattered by suicide,” Fagin said. “It’s an epidemic.”

Fagin plays with a blue rubber bracelet as she speaks with her legs crossed and barefoot in the chair. Here, Melissa’s initials “M.P.F.” are engraved, along with what is written on her gravestone: “The light of your love brightens our world.” Fagin said it is a reminder that Melissa is a constant rather than a loss.

Though Fagin and her husband have not taken part in NAMI programs yet, they plan to do so in the near future. She strongly supports NAMI’s care for suicide prevention and the programs they create for families who have a loved one with a mental illness.

For Miner, this is his third NAMI walk. Miner and his mother Nelle are taking charge of fundraising and leading the In Harmony team in the NAMI Walk this year.

So far, NAMI has raised 47 percent of its $225,000 goal. More than 700 donors and several local sponsors, including Kokesh Retirement Strategies and Recovery Innovations, have contributed.

As a community, NAMI hopes to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those who have a mental illness or who have someone with a mental disability in their family.

“I have heard so many stories from staff, volunteers and community members about how NAMI helped them when they didn’t know what else to do,” Uradnik said. “Mental illness has such a stigma behind it and NAMI provides people with hope that they can manage their illness – they are not alone.”

As Miner’s grandfather once said, “Your disability is your opportunity.”

NAMI’s values and support for those with mental disabilities is just that. It gives people a chance to create something positive and to educate society in hope to make it more normalized.

The walk is May 18 at Kirkland’s Marina Park. Check-in is at 8 a.m. and start time is at 9:30 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit www.securewalks.nami.org.

Meredith Barrett is a University of Washington News Lab student.

Travis Miner and his mom Nelle pose during the NAMI Walk in 2007. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO