The Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research, Inc., recently kicked off its 10th annual Coast to Coast for a Cure Bike Ride to help raise money and promote public awareness for leukemia and other blood-related diseases. This event features six students from the University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Medicine bike riding almost 4,000 miles across the country, starting from Seattle, Washington, and ending on the shores of Connecticut. Over the years, this event has raised $250,000 and the riders are aiming to raise another $50,000.

This year’s riders include Madison residents Thomas Presti and David Lam. Presti graduated from UConn in 2013 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. He is currently a first-year medical student at UConn School of Medicine. Presti enjoys sailing and skiing in his free time.

Lam graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013 with degrees in political science and public health. He is currently a first-year medical student at UConn School of Medicine. Lam enjoys working out, watching and playing sports, playing his cello and saxophone, and cooking when he’s not cramming for school.

For more information about the Coast to Coast Bike Ride, visit www.leasfoundation.org.