FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - UConn medical students James Marks and Zach Giguere began bike riding across the country on June 10 to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Marks, 25, of Guilford, and Giguere, 23, of Windsor flew to Seattle to start their great bicycle adventure on June 10.
Their summer cross-country bike trek marks the 20th year that UConn medical and dental students have made the huge bike journey across America. Every summer since 2006, a different group of students set out for the bike tour, and in doing so, raised money for and awareness of a cause.
This year’s bike riding duo of future doctors are raising awareness of suicide with the goal to help prevent it. They are raising money too for advancing mental health research via the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, and millions more struggle in silence. Despite the devastating impact on families and communities, mental health research and resources often lack the funding and attention they desperately need, the UConn medical students share.
“We believe that investing in suicide prevention—through research, crisis support, and accessible mental health care—can save lives. We are committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle,” they write.
Their cause to prevent suicide is deeply personal to Marks.
“I lost my Dad,” Marks shared from suicide back in 2022. “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. Research into these topics and supporting people who are really struggling is so important,” Giguere says.
Their long trip pedaling back to Connecticut is expected to take a total of 48 days.