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.
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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.'
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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.
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'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.
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