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A middle-aged man in a navy hoodie and cap sits at a table with his hands clasped, smiling at the camera, indoors with large windows showing a snowy outdoor scene in the background.
Blog

How One Rider’s Mission Came Full Circle Through CAR T-Cell Therapy: Steve Mars’ Story

Nine-time Empire State Rider, Steve Mars, exemplifies what it means to commit and give back. For years, he rode his bike 500+ miles across New York State for others — to honor the lives of his mother, cousin and best friend who all lost their lives to cancer and to fund cancer research for the next generation. Never could he have predicted that he would eventually receive the same treatment for which he spent years fundraising.

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A large group of people in matching athletic attire pose for a group photo by a riverside, with trees and distant buildings visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
Blog

Join us at the finish line!

Watching over 250 cyclists cross the finish line in Niagara Falls after a week on the road with Empire State Ride is an experience unlike any other. Join us in cheering them on this July!

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A person in an orange jacket stands clapping with hands raised above their head in a crowded indoor setting, while others sit and watch, some also applauding. Blue barriers and white beams are visible in the background.
Blog

The Power of Empire State Ride’s Top Fundraisers: Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Research

Every year, a small but committed group of Excelsior riders go above and beyond the call of duty, raising an incredible $20,000 or more. Funds from these riders are pooled and designated to advance one promising new research study. In 2025, Excelsior riders funded a research study from Agnes Witkiewicz, MD, Director of Advanced Tissue Imaging at Roswell Park, entitled “Multi-Pronged Therapeutic Targeting of Pancreatic Cancer.”

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A rider holds their bike bandles with a "Why I Ride" sign on it. The lighting is warm and vibrant.
Blog

Empire State Riders are Igniting Cancer Breakthroughs to Spark New Hope

Donations to Empire State Ride fund research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and affect how we treat cancer worldwide. Through a campaign called Igniting Cancer Breakthroughs, Roswell Park has positioned itself to become a global leader in the field of cellular therapy. From innovative infracstructure to an all-star team, Roswell Park now has what it needs to launch critical clinical trials.

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A cyclist wearing a colorful jersey and red helmet stands on a wooden dock by the water, smiling and holding a road bike. Wooden posts and a clear blue sky are in the background.
Blog

From Doctor to Patient Advocate

After spending his career caring for cancer patients, surgeon Steven Wilkins faced a diagnosis of his own. Rather than taking a passive role, he chose to turn his journey into action on Empire State Ride.

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A man with gray hair, wearing glasses and a white shirt, holds a camera up to his face while taking a photo outdoors among trees.
Blog

Pitching Yourself to Local Media

Ready to share your Empire State Ride journey? This guide walks you through how to pitch yourself to the media with practical, easy-to-follow tips and tell your story in a way that inspires others.

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