Dr. Adel Korkor, a nephrologist from Wisconsin, recently completed his transcontinental journey to raise awareness for mental health. Over the course of 50 days, 50 states and 50 5Ks, Korkor raised over $100,000 to benefit mental health in America through the Five Fifty Fifty charity and ran with over 2,000 participants who joined him on his campaign for mental health awareness nationwide.
To complete his journey, Korkor traveled 21,600 miles – 12,600 by air and 9,000 by driving. Throughout the travels, Korkor reiterated his key facts: mental health problems are common nationwide, disabling and costly, impeding physical health and significantly increasing morbidity and mortality in all sufferers. He also personally interviewed 130 participants who shared their own struggle with mental health issues.
“My journey across America went far beyond what I expected,” said Korkor. “Many of those who joined the event had their own personal stories. Many were willing to share it. Some of the stories were sad, but others were uplifting and motivating. They allowed me to learn so much about the state of mental ‘brain’ healthcare in our nation. There is so much work that needs to be done, and my work, truly, has just begun.”
The funds raised from the Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk Series will be used to increase awareness, address the shortage of affordable care, emphasize the importance of wellness in mental health, fund research and focus on underserved groups such as veterans and those suffering from addiction.
The Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk Series for Mental Health launched on May 5 in Honolulu, Hawaii and concluded on June 23 in Korkor’s home state of Wisconsin. More than 85 million people were reached during the 50 days of the trip through 20-plus in-person interviews with the media, broadcast news coverage and print/online newspaper coverage.
Mental Health America served as the national charity partner of the Five Fifty Fifty Run/Walk Series.
