Editor’s note: The funds raised total for NAMI of Colorado Springs is $81,030.

Rain and low temperatures blanketed Panorama Park as the community gathered for the Colorado Springs National Alliance on Mental Illness walk for awareness Saturday.

“Of course, on a mental health day it has to be gloomy, but doesn’t that show you have to walk through it,” participant Vanessa Hicks told The Gazette.

Hicks is one of the approximately 43.8 million people in the U.S. who struggle with mental health issues annually, according to NAMI. On Saturday, she walked to call attention to her story and struggles with mental health, hoping to inspire those around her with the sentiment of “You’re not alone.”

“This past year was probably one of the worst years of my life,” Hicks said.

“My business — I’m a destination wedding photographer, it crashed, and it was all because I asked for help.”

After receiving a traumatic phone call, Hicks said her mental health hit a low. After seeing numerous doctors and trying dozens of medications, she attempted to end her life in December.

“I did everything every doctor asked of me, because I wanted to get better,” Hicks said.

“I ended up being in the hospital three times in one year, trying to end my life.”

Hicks said after months of struggling, it took one doctor who listened for her to finally receive the help she needed. She was admitted into a treatment facility and received additional mental health treatment in Denver.

On Saturday, weeks out of her treatment, she looked to inspire hope along with  hundreds of her fellow walk participants .

“I lived, and I fought to live, so what can I do?” Hicks said.

“I want to give people hope. I want to continue to spread awareness. If I can use my story to help someone else, great, but I also need that reminder that I’m not alone.”

Despite the soggy conditions with temperatures in the 40s, 47 teams showed up to help raise  $81,030 of a $100,000 goal to support community mental health and efforts of NAMI in Colorado Springs during  Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We’re here today to talk about mental health and mental wellness,” NAMI board secretary Damian McCabe said .

“We want people to consider mental health the same way people consider physical health. If you’re inspired to walk for your physical health, be inspired to walk for your mental health. To walk for your mental health to work out for your mental health, to socialize to create new connections for your mental health. We all feel better in connection with each other,” McCabe said.

The  fundraiser held a tribute to one NAMI volunteer who lost their battle with mental illness, her life ending in the months preceding the NAMI walk.

Described by her fellow volunteers and the NAMI community as a continuous bright light, Alyssa Richardson was honored with a project titled, “Alyssa’s Garden.”

Participants could be seen painting ceramic pots and planting seeds in her memory, ducking under the blue tent as water streamed down the permit.

“Alyssa was such a bright part of the group,” NAMI Board member Ray Cameron said .

“No matter where she was, she would come in and be a bright spot in our evening. Even on her worst days, she seemed to laugh, and it wasn’t a cover, it was something deep within her, just a part of her personality as someone who lived with joy,” Cameron said.

Richardson’s mother, sister and family members attended the event.

Nancy Williams, who volunteered at the organization’s front desk with Richardson, said her fellow volunteer was someone the community looked up to.

“She was genuine and friendly. She was an office volunteer for a long time, and was my trainer,” Williams said.

“At the front desk at a place like NAMI, you never know what people are going through, and you have to have a good listening ear to provide people with the right resources. She was really good at it.”

Williams discovered NAMI as a community to find support with her son, who struggles with mental illness. She described the resources provided by the organization as life-changing, having the ability to meet other people struggling in similar ways to herself.

“All of a sudden, it’s not foreign. You don’t feel crazy — it’s wonderful,” Williams said.

Also volunteering at Alyssa’s Garden, Nancy Butcher relayed feelings of togetherness in finding support for her son through NAMI.

“Compared to even 20 years ago, there’s so much less stigma. So many more people are talking about mental health,” Butcher said.

“We’re all in this together. You’re not alone.”