Latest news with #SwimAcrosstheSound
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- 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
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Bridgeport ‘painting the city blue' ahead of Swim Across the Sound fundraiser
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — St. Vincent's Medical Center and the City of Bridgeport are turning the city blue this summer. Wanted felon arrested in Bridgeport, charged with attempted murder Mayor Joe Ganim and organizers from Swim Across the Sound unveiled the city's newest 'blue' street Monday to raise awareness for the Paint the City Blue banner fundraising campaign. The campaign allows people and businesses the opportunity to buy banners and support cancer patients. The banners will be displayed from June through September across Bridgeport. The 38th annual Swim Across the Sound will be on Aug. 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Epson Tour, part of the ‘road to the LPGA,' to stop in Connecticut again
MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Epson Tour will be making a stop in Connecticut again, and this year, it will be even bigger. Maisie Filler, a Bloomfield native, helped tee off today's announcement about the Hartford HealthCare Women's Championship, a stop on the Epson Tour known as 'The Road to the LPGA.' Hartford HealthCare's 33rd annual Black & Red Gala 'It's awesome to play at home,' Filler said. 'I'll have so many friends and family coming out to support.' Hartford HealthCare will provide breast and skin cancer screenings and will hold a golf swing clinic during the tournament, which will be held at the Great River Golf Club in Milford. The proceeds from the tickets will be going to support the Hartford HealthCare 'Swim Across the Sound,' a program that supports cancer patients and their families, according to Dr. Stephanie Alessi-LaRosa, a doctor of sports neurology for Hartford HealthCare. Filler used to have lower back pain before she adjusted her swing, which sports medicine physician Dr. Jordan Gruskay of the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute says is one of the most common injuries along with elbow and wrist pain. Things like overuse, gripping the club too tight and trying to swing too hard every time can cause some of these issues, Gruskay said. Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University launch nursing program So instead, he says play like a pro. Maintain good posture and a nice smooth swing. 'The swing has nice tempo,' Gruskay said. 'There's no violent parts to it. It's all nicely controlled.' The Hartford HealthCare Women's Championship is from July 10 to July 13, 2025. But there are also events at the Milford golf club leading up to that tournament play. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
