Walk for Mental Health - The Wander Embodiment Sensory Experience

Join Us for the Walk for Mental Health – The Wander Embodiment Sensory Experience!

Step into a meaningful journey of connection, mindfulness, and mental well-being. This special event will be offered virtually all weekend long, with an in-person sensory experience on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:00–9:30 AM at 1001 E. Schaumburg Road—a 1.5-hour immersive experience at the farm.

Move at your own pace and engage in ways that feel right for you. Whether you join virtually or in person, you are warmly invited to be part of our Wander.

For the in-person experience, we will gather at Heritage Farm, entering through the St. Matthew’s entrance at 1001 E. Schaumburg Road. Please park toward the back of the lot and follow the signs marked “The trail starts here.”

Let’s wander together—connecting with nature, embracing the present moment, and experiencing the power of movement, mindfulness, and community support. This is a space to nourish your mind and body while exploring the beauty around you.

Together, we create space for healing, connection, and belonging. We can’t wait to share this journey with you.

When you register, you’ll receive full details for the virtual portion of the Wander. This experience is rooted in building connections and deepening understanding of how both visible and invisible disabilities impact mental health.

Seven years ago, I began a journey to walk 500 miles to raise awareness for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a condition that affects my daughter and so many others. What started as a personal mission grew into a community movement—a Healing Walk that sparked meaningful conversations and connection. While I’ve surpassed that 500-mile goal, the journey continues with even deeper purpose.

In 2022, while preparing for our Healing Walk for HS, we discovered the ALS Walk was taking place on the very same day. That moment felt like more than a coincidence—it became a powerful opportunity to honor both journeys. We walked in memory of our mother, Grandi, who passed from ALS before we fully understood the weight of her diagnosis.

Last year, our journey expanded even further through a beautiful community art show at the Schaumburg Library, where creativity, storytelling, and self-expression came together to highlight the connection between art and mental health.

This year, that creativity continues—our art will be displayed throughout the entire month of May, and you are invited to wander over to the Schaumburg Library on May 30th as part of your experience, deepening your connection through art, reflection, and community.

As part of our fundraising efforts, you will also have the opportunity to purchase select pieces of artwork. Available pieces will be clearly noted, allowing you to take home a meaningful creation while supporting mental health and our growing community.

Today, that shared experience continues to shape this event. What began as a Healing Walk has evolved into a Wander—a space that honors healing in all its forms: physical, emotional, and mental.

This year, we continue to expand our focus on Mental Health Awareness, recognizing its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Local organizations—whose support has been essential in my own journey—will be present at our resource table, offering connection, education, and care.

Together, we walk forward—supporting one another, raising awareness, and building a more compassionate, connected community.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.1 Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (CDC, JUN 28, 2021)

WHAT IS HS?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, chronic inflammatory follicular occlusion that dramatically impacts the quality of life physically, mentally, and emotionally. HS consists of extremely painful recurring abscesses that can develop anywhere hair follicles are found. Abscesses or lesions can occur anywhere except the palms of our hands, soles of our feet, and lips. We are trying to spread awareness for HS Disease. I want you to take time for yourself. We will have activities for all abilities.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease[a] that results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles.ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease. Early symptoms of ALS include stiff muscles, muscle cramps, and gradually increasing weakness and muscle wasting. Limb-onset ALS begins with weakness in the arms or legs, while bulbar-onset ALS begins with difficulty speaking or swallowing. Around half of the people with ALS develop at least mild challenges with thinking and behavior, and about 15% develop frontotemporal dementia. Motor neuron loss continues until the ability to eat, speak, move, and finally, the ability to breathe is lost, with the cause of early death usually being respiratory failure. Others are living with this horrible disease. ( Taken from Wikipedia article)

And as we say in our Internal Growth Community—your mini podcast reminder:

Nobody walks alone.

#lessstressandmorejoy

#create

#wecelebratethepowerofselfexpression

#wewalktogether 🌻✨

Our virtual resource area :

You can donate to NAMI Schaumburg if you choose.

Minds with Motion, LLC - Class Schedule and Activities

ALS - Resources from Chicago ALS

Schaumburg Library Mental Health Events in May

https://www.kennethyoung.org/services/lgbtq-center

https://www.kennethyoung.org/resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

National Institute for Mental Health

Breathe Power Yoga classes and information

Schaumburg Park District Heritage Farm

Illinois Nature Preserves

Dessert Cafe 365 is a place we host our Mindful Art and Mindfulness Classes

The night before the event, we will email you a schedule of all the activities you can participate in during your virtual wander/walk.

We warmly invite you to join us on our virtual Wander in a way that feels right for you. Even if you’re not feeling your best, we hope you’ll still connect with us and be part of this experience. We’ll share a detailed schedule with activities you can explore during your virtual Wander.

As part of the Wander, you’ll have access to a variety of activities to enhance your experience. The evening before, we’ll send you a special email with offerings like **yoga, meditation, coloring pages, music, an interaction map, journal prompts, walking mantras,** and more! We encourage you to capture your journey with photos—we’ll provide hashtags so you can share your experience. This event is about raising awareness and celebrating your unique path. Thank you for being part of it!

GET READY TO HAVE SOME FUN!

Things you will need.

Comfy Clothes

Water bottle

Journal

Colorful pens, markers, chalk, crayons

Paper

Camera

**************************************************************************************************************** By attending, you consent to photos being taken and shared on social media.

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Host or Publisher Wanda Lee