Piston's "Strength In Hue" Campaign To Support Mental Health Awareness Month

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and its San Diego affiliate will help cyclist Eric Ward take his passion for cycling and his passion for increasing understanding of mental illness on the road this Saturday as the racer starts a 3,000-mile bike ride for mental health awareness.

Ward, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression, will ride 3,000 miles from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida this May, the official month designated to support raising mental health awareness.

An avid racer who uses his passion to show that those living with a mental illness can still achieve remarkable goals, Ward will begin his ride May 3 at the San Diego County NAMI 5K Walk/Run in support of mental health awareness. You can view his Indiegogo page here

Cycling is a positive coping mechanism that Ward discovered when he started riding his bike across town in lieu of taking public transportation. With his 3,000-mile ride, Ward hopes to inspire others to discover their own passions and successes. “An enjoyable and healthy activity, along with treatment, can lead to a better life,” Ward said.

Ward chose to connect with NAMI San Diego because of positive interactions he has had with other NAMI affiliates in the past. Piston, a San Diego- and New York-based advertising agency, and NAMI joined forces and are co-sponsoring Ward’s cross country ride. As part of the sponsorship, Piston matched all donations that Ward received through his independent fundraising.