Mark Becker's family to participate in mental illness walk

The family of Mark Becker, convicted shooter of coach Ed Thomas of Parkersburg, will participate in a walk for mental illness.

The NAMIWALK for the Campaign for the Mind of America will be held on Saturday, October 2 in Des Moines at Water Works Park.

Becker shot the Aplington/Parkersburg High School football coach several times on June 24, 2009. Psychiatrists who testified at his trial diagnosed Becker with schizophrenia.

The jury rejected his insanity plea and Becker was sentenced in April to life in prison.

The NAMI IOWA state office and affiliates NAMI Greater Des Moines, NAMI Jasper County, NAMI Hardin County and NAMI Central Iowa, will join together in the walk to raise the level of awareness of mental illness and fight stigma, as well as raise funds to continue their services and programs. The 3-mile walk will start at 10 am. Registration begins at 8:30 am. Walkers can choose to walk the full route or a part of it.

This event marks Mental Illness Awareness Week, a national effort to work together in communities across the country through a variety of outreach, educational, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness of mental illness.

Visit www.nami.org/namiwalks/IA to register and for information on the Des Moines Walk, as well as the NAMI Scott County Walk being held the same day. For questions about the events or Mental Illness Awareness Week, call NAMI IOWA at 515-254-0417 or 800-417-0417.

NAMI IOWA, the state's leading grassroots organization, is solely dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with severe mental illnesses.