From riders to advocates: How the Suttons found deeper purpose on Empire State Ride
The sun had barely risen when Linda Szal Sutton and Barry Sutton clipped into their bikes for their first Empire State Ride in 2023. The morning air buzzed with excitement as hundreds of riders prepared to take on the challenge of riding 500+ miles across New York State, united by one mission: to end cancer.
For Linda and Barry, Empire State Ride started as an adventure, a way to combine their love of cycling and their drive to give back. They never imagined how personal ESR’s mission would become.
Riding for a Cause Close to Their Hearts
Before Empire State Ride, the Suttons rode every summer in Ride for Roswell, where they honored their nephew, PJ, who passed away from cancer when he was just eight years old, and Linda’s father, Marty Szal, who passed away from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
“PJ was four when my sister felt something behind his ear. He had rhabdomyosarcoma and went to Boston Children's and had a 23 hour long surgery. He was beautiful and truly a perfect child who had a smile that lit up the world.”
That smile, and the fight it represented, became their why.
“They were having a fundraiser and we saw how many people were there and the energy. We met the Dragon Slayers and other groups of people along the way and they were so inviting. So to me that was the catalyst.”
Discovering Empire State Ride
When friends from Ride for Roswell told them about Empire State Ride, the idea immediately sparked excitement. A seven-day, 500+ mile journey across New York State sounded like the perfect mix of challenge, purpose and adventure.
As avid cyclists who met on their bikes, the idea of tackling a weeklong ride together felt like the next fun adventure. But it wasn’t until they attended a fundraiser hosted by an Empire State rider that the idea truly came to life. The moment they walked in, they were surrounded by laughter and comradery.
It wasn’t just a group of cyclists; it was an instant sense of belonging that led Linda and Barry to know they had found something special. They were ready to ride.
How the Mission to End Cancer Became Personal
On the road during their first Empire State Ride, Linda and Barry learned how rider donations were fueling cutting-edge cancer research at Roswell Park. They listened intently as one of the doctors spoke during the evening program about SurVaxM, an immunotherapy treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive and devastating type of brain tumor. SurVaxM is currently in a phase 2B adult clinical trial at Roswell Park.
At the time, this was just another medical term for Linda and Barry. Six weeks later, it became heartbreakingly real.
“The first year Joyce Ohm had spoken about SurVaxM for glioblastoma but I didn't know anyone with it at the time. Literally six weeks later, my sister Patty was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.”
Suddenly, the cause they were riding for wasn’t just about hope in a broad sense. It was about her. “It doesn’t get any closer than that,” said Linda. “So, it became really, really personal at that point.”
500+ Miles for Patty
Patty began treatment at Roswell Park and enrolled in a clinical trial funded, in part, by Empire State Ride donations. “There’s a study supported by Roswell funds that was able to develop a vaccine that my sister was able to participate in,” Linda explained.
Patty passed away in March of 2025, but her strength continues to inspire Linda and Barry each time they ride, knowing that the funds being raised could help others like her.
Riding in Memory and in Hope
Three years later, the couple’s commitment to the ESR mission only grows stronger. What began as an adventure has become a defining part of their lives.
Barry reflected on what keeps them coming back each year.
“We’ve pledged to do this as long as we possibly can,” he said. “If you want to do something in life that you’re going to remember forever, this is the one. Not only because of the physicality of cycling seven days, but the wonderful people that you meet, how well organized the event is and how what we are doing touches so many.”
For Barry and Linda, those words aren’t just a reflection of their own journey; they capture the very heart of Empire State Ride. It’s more than a week on the road; it’s an experience that leaves a mark long after the finish line.
When Linda and Barry ride each summer, they are reminded that they’re a part of something extraordinary. Surrounded by riders who share their passion and purpose, they feel the power of a community united by hope.
“I think it’s important to remind everybody that when we go through life, we can go through life and do things for ourselves. And we do,” Linda said. “But this is one thing that we can do for the community that truly we have seen firsthand how it changes people in our community.”
They ride not only for Patty but for PJ, Linda’s father Marty and for everyone whose life has been touched by cancer. With every mile, they hold onto the hope that one day, there won’t be stories like theirs, only stories of survival, discovery and healing.
Join the Movement: Ride for Cancer Research
Join riders like Linda and Barry in fueling lifesaving research at Roswell Park. Sign up for the 2026 Empire State Ride and turn your miles into something bigger.
Ride Stronger Together
