The RIDE
The world’s toughest bicycle race covering almost 5,000km across the USA. Only 2-3 hours of sleep per night for 12 relentless days starting June 10, 2025. Cycling through deserts, mountains, hallucinations, and exhaustion.
Dr Chris Lekich
I am Dr. Chris Lekich, mild mannered doctor by week, crazy accidental ultra-cyclist by weekend. I am on a mission to bring global awareness to a debilitating yet misunderstood disease called lipedema, affecting approximately 390 million women worldwide. This year I am undertaking three major ultra-endurance cycling challenges, with the flagship event being the Race Across America (RAAM)—one of the toughest endurance races in the world
WHY IS DR CHRIS PARTICIPATING?
To shine a global spotlight on Lipedema, breaking the cycle of misdiagnosis and raising awareness about the condition’s impact on women worldwide. All while creating critical engagement with governments, health departments, insurance companies, and medical defence organisations.
At the heart of this campaign lies the Lipedema patient. Ride to Walk With Freedom represents an unparalleled opportunity to amplify their voices, drive sustainable treatments, and advocate for their care worldwide. As a phlebologist and Lipedema expert, my career has been dedicated to advocacy, education, and developing innovative solutions for patients. The Ride to Walk With Freedom represents one of the most significant campaigns to raise global awareness for Lipedema.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
What is Lipedema?
What Is Lipedema: Lipedema is frequently underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed as obesity, with devastating physical and emotional impacts, leading to isolation, depression, and chronic pain. It’s a silent epidemic affecting mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, women whose voices deserve to be heard.
Awareness is the first vital step!
How can Community get involved?
At its heart, Ride to Walk With Freedom is about far more than Dr Lekich’s ride across America—it’s a global mission to raise awareness for Lipedema and drive meaningful change for the millions of women affected by this often misunderstood disease. We need your voice to make it happen.
Here’s how you can get involved and help amplify this movement…
JOIN THE CHEERSQUAD
Record a message of encouragement for Chris while he is competing in the Race Across America.
RIDE WITH CHRIS
Post a video of you riding a bike & tag @ridetowalkwithfreedom to show solidarity with Chris racing across USA
COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE
Subscribe for updates on Chris’ race progress & future news, like where you can watch the documentary!
Every share, every conversation, and every post helps break the silence around Lipedema and brings us closer to global recognition and better outcomes for those living with this condition.
"The Fight to Walk with Freedom”
We’re also excited to announce that Chris’s new book “The Fight to Walk with Freedom” will be launching soon!
Not only will the book shine a light on the lived experience of Lipedema, but 20% of all sales will be donated to Lipedema charities nominated by leading experts around the world.
Together, we can ride—and speak—for those who have fought too long to be heard.
First 100 Pre-Orders will receive:
- a signed copy of Fight to Walk With Freedom by Dr Chris Lekich
- a pack of 14 Lipoedema Affirmation Cards designed by Canadian artist with Lipoedema, Anna Maria Matziorinis
- postcard sized artwork by Australian artist with Lipoedema, Elise Miller.
