Latest news with #Giguere
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
UConn students bike across the country for suicide prevention
FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — Two University of Connecticut medical students flew to Seattle on Tuesday with no return flight booked, as the pair plans to bike back to their home state while raising money for suicide prevention. James Marks, 25, of Guilford, and Zach Giguere, 23, of Windsor began their summer cross-country bike trek as part of a two-decades-long UConn tradition that raises money and awareness for a specific cause. This year, the duo plans to raise awareness for suicide prevention, donating money toward advancing mental health research. Hamden school raises money for cancer research at 'Saint Baldrick's' event Their cause to prevent suicide is deeply personal to Marks. 'I lost my Dad,' Marks said. 'I am glad I can do this journey to raise awareness.' Giguere finds it critically important to raise greater awareness of the importance of mental health. 'Recently after COVID, I have seen more people struggling with anxiety and depression,' Giguere said. 'Research into these topics and supporting people who are really struggling is so important.' Suicide Prevention Month: How to get help during a mental health crisis Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Mental health research and resources often lack the funding and attention they desperately need, the UConn students said. 'We believe that investing in suicide prevention—through research, crisis support, and accessible mental health care—can save lives,' they said. 'We are committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle.' The two classmates' coast-to-coast trip is planned for a total of 48 days. 'A few days in, we are still on track, but we know the first few weeks will be the toughest,' Giguere said, who will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday. 'I have never been out West before,' Giguere said. 'I always wanted to see all of the U.S. This is the absolute best opportunity to do so!' Mark shared the same sentiment. 'It's beautiful out here!' he said. 'We did our biggest bike climbs yet in the Cascades here in Washington state even climbing up Washington Pass with its 5,500-foot elevation. It's really hard but everything of America we have seen so far, has incredible views.' Only a few days into the trek, both riders have witnessed the spirit of the American people over and over. Bridgeport 'painting the city blue' ahead of Swim Across the Sound fundraiser 'Everyone and every town we encounter are really kind and are excited to hear what we are doing,' Marks said. 'We were blessed when a stranger's truck stopped to give us Gatorade. Americans are extremely nice out here.' Their Coast-2-Coast journey can be followed on Instagram @_coast2coast25_ and you can donate to the duo's cause by clicking on this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds hosts 36th annual mega RV show in Springfield
The month of March is underway, which means warmer weather and vacation season are on the horizon. This weekend, hundreds gathered at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds for the 36th annual Springfield Mega RV Show, where dealers from all over showcase their RVs. The show also attracts attendees from outside the Ozarks. Nichole Giguere says she has come to the show for the past five years, and it is a great way to kick off the RV season. 'In two weeks, we have an appointment already scheduled for some stuff that we're getting fixed so that we can start our season camping,' says Giguere. Springfield Art Museum begins renovation of main building Amy Tompkins attended the show with Giguere. She says it is a good time even if they don't buy anything. 'We love seeing what's new, new models, what innovations they have and what's going on. And because it's fun,' says Tompkins. Dusty Roades has run the show for all 36 years. He says it takes him about 10 months out of the year to plan, and this time of year he sees lots of people wanting to get an RV. 'More and more and more you've got these couples that have been working their jobs, and they retire, and their plans of retirement are to buy an RV and to travel,' says Roades. Aurora family finds stolen Basset Hound after months of searching Roades estimates that there are 50 to 75 different brands of RVs at the show. Giguere says coming to the show each year helps her stay educated on the RV world. 'It helps us kind of see what's out there. Talk to experts,' says Giguere. 'What we really like and what we'd like to have and things that we want to make sure we don't have again in the future.' Roades tells Ozarks First that helping local dealers and people like Giguere and Roades is why he puts on the show year after year. 'It makes me feel happy when I leave a show when I close it up on Sunday and every dealer comes up to me and shakes my hand and thanks me for it,' says Roades. 'That's what gets me.' The show will wrap up on Sunday, March 2. It will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can find a link to the show's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
