NAMI Indiana, Inc

Hello everyone! My name is Carlos Guzman! Running has been a big part of my life for a while now, bringing me joy and a sense of routine. What started with running just 1 mile grew into completing my first 5k, 10k, half marathon, and, not too long ago, my first full marathon.

Now, I’m excited to share that I’ve been training for the past 14ish weeks to take on my biggest challenge yet—a 50-mile run this February!

This journey isn’t just about personal achievement. As someone passionate about both running and mental health and currently pursuing my master’s degree in psychology at Purdue University Northwest, I want to use this milestone to make a difference. I am turning this run into a fundraiser for a local mental health organization, supporting a cause that means so much to me.

For this fundraiser, I have decided to raise funds for NAMI Indiana, the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is a grassroots public charity dedicated to supporting individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and their families. With over 380,000 Hoosiers affected by conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, the need for accessible mental health care is critical. While these illnesses are treatable, only about half of those in Indiana who need care receive it, and more individuals with SMI are treated in correctional facilities than in state hospitals. NAMI Indiana works to close these gaps through legislative advocacy, peer-led education and support programs, training for professionals, and partnerships with government and nonprofit organizations. With 16 local affiliates across the state, they strive to improve mental health care and policies, ensuring more people receive the help they need.

Thank you in advance for your support—whether it’s cheering me on, sharing my story, or contributing to the fundraiser. Let’s make a difference together! If there's any runners interested in participating or coordinating the run together please message me