One year on from her first awareness walk, the Puckapunyal local, who was diagnosed with orthostatic tremor about three years ago, is far from slowing down.
In just 12 months, Ms Humphreys has shone a local, national and international spotlight on OT, a condition that causes rapid muscle tremors when standing still, and has inspired many within the community by doing so.
In July, Ms Humphreys garnered global recognition when she appeared on A Current Affair to speak about her condition, an appearance that has been a source of hope for many who have also been diagnosed.
“The biggest takeaway I’ve had is the impact it’s had on other people — having people feel like they’re seen and heard, and even having families watch the segment and go, ‘oh, now I get it’,” Ms Humphreys said.
With September being OT Awareness Month, Ms Humphreys is gearing up to again walk to raise awareness about the condition, having trekked 14km between Tallarook and Trawool last year.
The added distance of this year’s walk is the result of another cause Ms Humphreys is fighting for: suicide awareness.
During the first 9km of this year’s trek, which will be between Trawool and Yea, she’ll be taking each step for her best friend, who died by suicide in 1999.
“She was 17 when she passed away, that was in March of our final year of high school,” Ms Humphreys said.
“I guess it was something that you don’t expect when you’re 17 — to lose someone so early.”
While Ms Humphreys said the topic wasn’t as taboo nowadays, there was still much work to be done in terms of raising awareness about suicide and raising money for suicide prevention.
Ms Humphreys will be participating in the Out Of The Shadows Walk for Lifeline, which is completed by thousands of Australians annually in September.
Every dollar she raises will go directly to supporting the crisis support service.
She said, since OT didn’t have a charity yet, donating to Lifeline felt natural, especially with her friend’s birthday being on September 1.
“The fact that it is in September, her birthday month, makes it extra special and it all ties together,” Ms Humphreys said.
While many in the OT community struggle with the fact that there is no cure for and very little research into the rare condition, Ms Humphreys’ positivity has been infectious.
She said she would continue to walk for and talk about the condition, and her advocacy would never waver.
“It gives people hope,” Ms Humphreys said.
“We’ve already made a difference in the last 12 months with all the positivity.
“Even if we don’t have the research, we’re still positive.”
Ms Humphreys will be completing her walk on Saturday, September 5.
To donate to Ms Humphreys’ walk, visit outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/kyliehumphreys/out-of-the-shadows-2026
• For 24/7 support, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If life is in danger, phone 000.
