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Sunday’s Montana NAMIWalk had so many participants some barely had a chance to get started on the 5K when they were passed by walkers who were finishing. Organizers said about 2,000 people participated, nearly doubling last year’s record-breaking turnout for the event, which raises money for the Montana Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness for Montana (NAMI Montana) works with and against politicians all of the time. We don’t care whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican. The real issue for our organization is whether the politician is trying to help the one-in-five Montana families affected by serious mental illnesses. In many instances, we’ll support a politician on one issue and then fight him on another. With Montana’s suicide rate repeatedly among the highest in the country, we can’t afford to be ideologues. There’s just too much at stake.

Organizers of Sunday’s NAMIWalk exceeded their goal by earning an additional $15,000 for a total of $140,000. A Bozeman couple also matched the goal of $125,000 with their own gift of that amount.

State House and Senate candidates from Gallatin and Park counties will listen to and discuss the needs and rights of people with disabilities at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Eagle Mount. Candidates from both parties will take part in the forum, organized by state and local advocacy groups: the Arc Montana, Bozeman Special ED PTA, NAMI Bozeman, Parents Let's Unite for Kids, and Disability Rights Montana.

I’ve always believed that as a parent I am the best advocate for my children. If I don’t do it, who will? I also believe in giving back and paying forward so I joined the Bozeman Area Special Education PTA to help advocate for families who are still in need. Please join me in helping to raise awareness regarding disability issues in the community at the Legislative Candidate Forum on Disabilities on August 27. The forum will be held at Eagle Mount at 6901 Goldenstein, at 6:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. Childcare, accommodations, and transportation will be provided. This event is sponsored by The Arc Montana, Disability Rights Montana, Bozeman Area SEPTA, NAMI Bozeman, and PLUK and hosted by Eagle Mount Bozeman. For more information and transportation, please contact Mary at 406-461-2384.