Stay 2026 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tiffany Wheeler
Organization: Connection is the Cure
Phone: 208-695-0105
Email: Wheelerjt8@gmail.com
Date: January 12, 2026
STAY 2026: Mental Wellness Rally at JUMP to Feature U.S. Olympic Women’s Rugby Team, BSU Quarterback, and Local Band Almost Famous
A free community event inspiring hope, connection, and resilience through stories, music, and movement
Boise, ID — Connection is the Cure, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering connection as
a means to prevent suicide and addiction, is thrilled to announce our annual event STAY 2026:
Mental Wellness Rally, taking place Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place
(JUMP) in Boise.
The evening will feature speaker Maddux Madsen, BSU quarterback, and keynote speakers
Stephanie Rovetti and Nicole Heavirland of the USA Women’s Olympic Rugby Team, along with an
electric live performance by local favorite Almost Famous. Centered around the theme,
“STAY—Stay connected, stay alive, stay sober, stay present, STAY in your story,” the event promises
to uplift, inspire, and remind everyone of the power of connection.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., inviting attendees to explore resource booths, participate in a hands-
on community service project, and engage in mental wellness workshops designed to promote
connection and well-being. A special meet-and-greet with the Women’s Rugby Team will take
place from 9:00–9:30 p.m. for sponsors and special guests.
The main program runs from 6:30–9:00 p.m. in JUMP’s Pioneer Room, featuring live music,
inspiring personal stories, and powerful messages of resilience and hope. While the event is free to
attend, registration via Eventbrite is required for workshops. Registration opens November 15th.
“This event isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action,” says September Frogley, founder of
Connection is the Cure. “We’re bringing together music, movement, and mental wellness to create
real opportunities for people to connect, heal, and find hope in their own stories.”
Media representatives are invited to attend. To schedule an interview with speakers or organizers,
contact September Frogley at connectionisthecure2021@gmail.com.
Featured Speaker
Maddux Madsen
Maddux Madsen is the kind of quarterback every team dreams of—calm under pressure, sharp in
execution, and fiercely competitive. Originally from American Fork, Utah, Maddux has become a
cornerstone of Boise State’s offense, leading with confidence and precision. He threw for over
3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024, leading the Mountain West in both categories. His ability
to read defenses and make smart decisions has earned him accolades and the respect of fans
across the Mountain West. Beyond football, Maddux is deeply involved in leadership and service,
embodying the values of discipline, teamwork, and community engagement. Maddux is an
advocate for mental wellness and is a huge supporter of Connection is the Cure.
Keynote Speakers
Stephanie Rovetti
Steph Rovetti is a Reno, Nevada native and a member of the USA Rugby squad that captured the
bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. A former Division I basketball player, Stephanie
began her athletic journey on the hardwood, playing for Brigham Young University, where she was
part of the nationally ranked 2014 Sweet 16 team.
After completing her undergraduate degree at BYU, she earned her first master’s from Fresno
State (MPA) and later completed a second master’s in Occupational Therapy, continuing her
passion for growth and service beyond sport.
Stephanie’s path from basketball to rugby, starting at age 26, was anything but linear. After
narrowly missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and suffering a series of injuries, she was forced to
rebuild—physically and mentally. Missing out on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics became a defining
moment, shaping her perspective on perseverance, identity, and mental strength on and off the
field.
Off the field, Stephanie loves to travel, attend live concerts, surf, and explore the outdoors with her
Blue Heeler dog, Cash. Most importantly, she cherishes time spent with her family and newborn
son.
Nicole Heavirland
Nicole Heavirland, a Whitefish, Montana native, is a former USA Rugby All-American at the United
States Military Academy (Army) and member of the USA Rugby Eagles' 2020 and 2024 Olympic
Teams. Nicole made her rugby 7s debut during the 2015-16 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series
and traveled as a reserve to the 2016 Brazil Olympics before being named USA Rugby Women’s
Sevens Captain in 2017. Nicole has represented her country 28 times.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she gained popularity as a traveling reserve for the US Women’s
7s Team, sharing her journey with fans as she trained to be ready to jump on the pitch, arm-
wrestled Jason Kelce, and supported her teammates. Nicole’s vulnerability and humor won over
thousands of fans as she navigated the challenges of being a traveling reserve player.
Nicole’s passions include yoga, coffee, fly fishing, and health, wellness initiatives, and supporting
her teammates on and off the pitch.
Musical Guest: Almost Famous
Almost Famous is Boise’s own high-energy cover band that brings classic rock, pop, and soul hits
to life! Known for their electric performances and crowd-favorite playlists, Almost Famous keeps
audiences singing, dancing, and reliving the best moments in rock and roll history.
From headlining local favorites like Meridian Oktoberfest and Boise Hawks games to rocking
the stage at the Ford Idaho Center with Connection is the Cure, this talented group knows how
to light up any event. With powerhouse vocals, tight rhythms, and contagious energy, Almost
Famous delivers a show that’s anything but “almost.”
Additional Speakers/Presenters:
Shane Larson:
Shane Larson, known as "The Gametime Guru," is a sports media personality, host of The
Gametime Guru Podcast, and sports analyst who shares stories and insights from athletes globally,
focusing on life lessons from sports, with roots in Boise State. He started his podcast in 2017 to
provide a comprehensive view of sports beyond the field, interviewing various figures and
building a brand that emphasizes the deeper messages within athletics, expanding from audio to
YouTube for broader reach.
Mark Tamaleaa
Mark Tamaleaa is an international speaker and suicide prevention advocate who shares his
powerful journey of surviving a suicide attempt at 17. Through authentic storytelling, he offers
practical, hope-filled strategies for mental health and resilience. With over 15 years as a principal
and a decade as an executive leader, Mark speaks on topics like suicide prevention, discipline,
change, and mental wellness. His diverse experience, as a leader, husband, and father, allows him
to connect with audiences of all ages on issues like bullying, anxiety, healthy relationships, and
cultural identity.
Kole Frogley
Kole Frogley is a local high school student that was selected to represent the USA Under-18 Team
on their recent tour to New Zealand.
WORKSHOPS
Breathwork, Sound Bath Meditation, Know the Signs, Anxiety Stations, Writing Station, Music Station, Family History, Art Station, Rugby Station, and Improv
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Location: Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP), Boise, Idaho
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Workshops, Resource Booths & Service Project: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Main Show: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Sponsor Meet and Greet: 9:00–9:30 p.m.
About Connection is the Cure
Connection is the Cure is a volunteer-run nonprofit focused on suicide and addiction prevention
through promoting meaningful human connection and community support. By hosting powerful
events centered around shared experiences, the organization empowers individuals to connect
with themselves, others, and local resources that provide hope and help.
Learn more at: www.connectionisthecureidaho.org
Media Contact:
September Frogley
Connection is the Cure
208-283-5597
connectionisthecure2021@gmail.com
hello@connectionisthecureidaho.org