On Aug. 18, Mike Hamp will get a “send off” for a 284-mile walk from Hastings to St. Ignace he is going to make to bring hope to those struggling with mental health and battling addictions.

 

Secure Counseling, 220 South Broadway in Hastings, has partnered with Hamp and is hosting the event with games, food, music, giveaways, vendors, cotton candy, popcorn and a chance to meet and talk with Hamp following a 5K walk with him.

 

“Start with a walk with Mike and end with a celebration,” said Liz Eddy, marketing director at Secure. The event is free.

Hamp will start his walk the next morning, Monday, Aug 19. He has an estimated mileage schedule for each day and the places where he will spend the nights.

 

Hamp hopes to inspire others who have, or are going through, what he did.

He said after living half of his life addicted to opiates and alcohol, with depression,  suicidal thoughts and hopelessness, poor self-esteem and lacking self-confidence, and with years of therapies, counseling and rehabs, he realized it was his thoughts and the way his brain was wired that were the problem.

 

“If that was what was keeping me in a very dark place, then it was thinking that was going to get me out… this is a forever process, and I have learned that growth always comes after a struggle, so we must learn to embrace the struggle,” he said.

 

“This will just be a great time for the community to come out and support Mike before he takes off on his walk on that Monday morning,” Eddy said.

 

To learn more about Hamp, visit www.valuesnotfeelings.org. 

If you are interested in the 5K, text SECURE 484848 for more info.

For details, visit the Secure Counseling event Facebook page.

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