Feature Story
Health Center Today, August 18, 2010
Coast to Coast Homecoming
Riders Back in Connecticut for Final Stretch of Cross-country Trek
By Chris DeFrancesco
Alex Ocampo
Stacy White
After eight weeks and 4,000 miles, a team of four medical students is back in Connecticut with one final leg of Coast to Coast for a Cure 2010 remaining.
Loureen Fournier, Arturo Montano, Alex Ocampo and Stacy White invite everyone to join them for the last 38 miles, from the Health Center to the shores of the Long Island Sound. They’re leaving the Health Center this Saturday at 9 a.m. This year’s trip officially ends when they dip their tires in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by a reception at Malone’s Restaurant, 56 Academy Street, Madison. Organizers remind participants to arrange for transportation home for both passengers and bikes.
The four rising second-year students make up the fifth team of UConn medical students to spend the summer cycling across the country to raise money for Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research, a Hartford nonprofit and philanthropic supporter of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
They’ve been keeping a blog of their trip, posting updates and photos as time and technology permit.
The riders ask anyone who wishes to support them to consider making a contribution through www.leasfoundation.org or by mail via a downloadable sponsorship brochure.
The Coast to Coast riders climb their final hill on their approach to the academic entrance.
Photos by Janine Gelineau
From left: Alex, Loureen, Arturo, and Stacy.
Loreen Fournier and her nephews.
Arturo Montano with some of his fans.