NAMI Northern Kentucky to hold annual walk against mental illness October 12 at Pioneer Park

National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Kentucky will hold its annual NAMIwalk against mental illness on October 12 at Pioneer Park in Covington.

“We are returning to Pioneer Park where we have frequently walked in the past,” said Danei Edelen, NAMI Northern Kentucky’s executive director. “Our walk is slated from 9-2. Registration starts at 9, and the path is a leisurely mile or so. Lunch and games for kids will also be provided for all registered walkers.

“This year, we are doing something unique. We are walking in memory of Derrick Rhoden. Nick Rhoden, a local law enforcement officer and Derrick’s brother, will be our community chair and five local police stations will have officers on hand as well.”

The following is what sportswriter, Dave Schabell, of Bishop Brossart High School wrote about Derrick:

“Derrick Rhoden ’04 had the potential to be the finest player ever, to not only wear a Brossart uniform, but to be one of the all-time top basketball players ever to emerge from Northern Kentucky. We were treated to a glimpse of what Rhoden could become during his freshman season (2000-01), when the near-seven-footer, played head-to-head with Senior Kevin Reinhardt ‘01, another of the top players from our area who is a Campbell County Camels and a 10th Region Hall of Famer, during that season’s district tournament. Unfortunately, for all of us, Derrick wrestled with his mental illness. He was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

“Just prior to his sophomore season Derrick had a medical episode that changed his life, rendering him dependent on medications that caused him to become heavy and stole from us the sleek, mobile athlete, with the soft hands, limiting his athletic abilities and ability to function in a productive manner throughout the remainder of his life. Despite battling through these limitations, Derrick still managed to score 854 career points, and his teams won 46 games (46-14) during his junior and senior seasons…Derrick remained my friend through 2019, fishing with me often here locally, and making several trips to Canada. These are fond memories of better times. In the latter years of his life, Derrick lived in an apartment with extensive caregiving by his mother as his health deteriorated. He passed away in late December at the age of 38. His death is certainly a tragedy, in more ways than one. Selfishly, I often wonder what a healthy Derrick Rhoden could have become, as I watch lesser players excel in college basketball.”

Edelen said Derrick died from medical complications which developed and worsened related to his mental illness.

“Many in our community personally live with mental illness and /or have a friend or family member who live with mental illness. Our fall NAMIWalk Northern Kentucky event serves several purposes,” she said. “The event day provides a venue to come together to remember and support those who live with mental illness. The funds raised by the walk event allow NAMI Northern Kentucky to continue to provide education and support activities in the community that touch individuals and family members with mental illness.”

The funds also allow NAMI to engage in activities that raise awareness in the community and with community leaders about mental illness and help combat the stigma often associated with mental illness.

“Ultimately, they allow us to continue to develop the necessary resources to give individuals and families improved health and improved life.” she said.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Kentucky

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