Kyle Wayne DuBose (K-Wayne) was one of the most generous, kindhearted and humorous people anyone could meet.  He was a loving son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.  Kyle had a way of making others feel special.  Whether it was a compliment, the never-ending bear hugs, a joke to lighten the mood, or just a quick flash of his notable grin, friends and strangers walked away feeling celebrated. 

Kyle and his three older sisters grew up in Apex, NC, enjoying, along with their parents, “The Peak of Good Living.”  During his childhood, Kyle was involved in Boy Scouts, basketball, baseball, and playing with his neighborhood friends.  He was full of energy, well liked in school, and often recognized as the class clown. 

During his teen years, he became excited about music, taking guitar lessons and learning to play the piano by ear.  His passion for music grew to include classical, rock, classic-rock, rap, country and reggae.  The year Kyle received a music mixer for his birthday, he began to dream that one day he might have a career in the music industry. 

Kyle or “K-Wayne,” as he like to be called, enjoyed spending time with friends, going to the movies, bowling, arcade games, card games, and game nights playing Yahtzee and Scrabble.  He spent time running, “pumping iron” and creating vegetable and fruit concoctions with his juicer.  Kyle delighted in giving special gifts to his family—breakfast for his sisters, “just because” flowers for Mom and making Dad smile with hilarious messages on the computer’s screen saver. 

At the age of 20, Kyle began to struggle with depression, mood swings, and social anxiety.  His family, concerned about his acting-out behavior, sought professional help a number of times.  Failure struck again and again.  Kyle soon developed additional mental health issues, impacting his life in ways his family could never have imagined.  His day-to-day struggles pushed him into a life of solitude.  His freedom came during morning and afternoon runs.  He said it was the only way to clear his mind from all the sadness and turmoil.  Despite the family’s efforts, Kyle decided to go to rest in his Lord’s arms on Oct. 18, 2008, at the age of 23.  There are no words to describe the loss felt by all who knew him.  K-Wayne is dearly missed, but he is free—free from the struggles and hardships that he faced every minute of every day, free from the judgment placed on him for his uncontrollable actions, and free from the sadness. 

Kyle’s sisters want to honor their brother and reach out to others who struggle with the same afflictions faced by Kyle and his family.  Because K-Wayne found his peace by running, they decided a 5K Run/Walk was the perfect way to do it. 

The family looks forward to your participation in the 5K, either by running, walking or volunteering on November 14^th, and/or through your donations to NARSAD, the world’s leading charity dedicated to mental health research: http://www.narsad.org .  Perhaps, before too long, individuals like Kyle can find their freedom here on earth. 

Thank you.