NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – He's spreading awareness for mental health and recovery one step at a time. And on his journey across America, he's made a few pit stops here in the Land of Enchantment. Kyndal Ray Edwards or "A Walking Testimony" is the 31-year-old behind the movement attracting tens of thousands of followers on social media. It's day 648 of his journey with nearly 7,000 miles walked. A mission, Edwards said, fueled by his own experiences. "The purpose is to spread as much positivity, love and kindness. As somebody who has tried to take my life twice, who has overdosed, who's been in county jail 11 times, in prison twice. I'm a firm believer that my past doesn't define me and that there's always hope,” said Kyndal Ray Edwards, creator of “A Walking Testimony”. Story continues below Trending: Criticisms mount over proposed Albuquerque housing bill News: Video: Driver of car strikes two police cruisers, history of crashing into police Business: Marble Brewery announces new owners Edwards is now 68 months drug free. His travels started in Jacksonville, Florida just over three years ago. He walked to Washington, then to San Diego and he’s now walking from west to east across the southern states to Florida. Edwards said he was inspired by a newspaper article about a man who made the walk, and while feeling a sense of "survivors’ guilt" from seeing all those who had been lost to the same issues he faced, he decided to walk in their honor.     He carries "remembrance shirts" with him, with 180 names of people who've died as a result of mental health or addiction. Also carrying with him a message. "For anybody that's driving by me, anybody that walks by me, anybody, they get to see this sign. They get to be reminded that they do matter, that they have importance, that they are loved and cared about because you never know who's driving to a bridge or driving home or driving somewhere for it to be the end of the day, you know, for it to be over. And we want everybody to know that no matter what they're going through, that they still have value and purpose here,” said Edwards. While in Albuquerque, Edwards was given an opportunity to sky dive at Viva Skydive Sunday morning. "A walking testimony" raises money for the non-profit addict to athletes, whose mission is to erase negative behaviors and replace them with healthy recreation and leisure. He has raised nearly 3,500 dollars for the cause. Edwards said his next stop will be in Clovis before heading to Lubbock, Texas.