fundraiser Archives - Empire State Ride

Jane Eshbaugh: Chasing the wind

Posted on May 26, 2023May 31, 2023 by j.schifferle

How One Cyclist Seeks Adventure in the Face of Cancer

In the middle of winter in Ellicottville, NY, Jane Eshbaugh wakes at the crack of dawn. After a morning cup of coffee, she makes her way to Holiday Valley Ski Resort where she begins her ascent to the top of a nearby slope. At the peak, she’ll pause to take note of the temperature and surrounding conditions to later compile and share in a detailed ski report. In the meantime, she straps on her skis and carves her way down the slope through freshly fallen snow, a smile on her lips.

This daily routine is one of joy for Jane, and one that’s been a near constant in her life for more than four decades.

She’s built her life around skiing and the outdoors, from her career as Holiday Valley’s marketing director to countless ski trips and her marriage to Holiday Valley President and General Manager Dennis Eshbaugh. The couple has two daughters, Kate and Maggie, who both have thriving careers in the ski industry and a deep appreciation for adventure, just like their mom.

“Jane has given our kids the ability to see the world in a bigger manner, to enjoy every experience for the moment, to never lose track of the importance of making the best of what you have in front of you and appreciating what you have,” Dennis says.

Though Jane’s now (semi) retired from her 41-year career as Holiday Valley’s marketing director, she still embraces the ski lifestyle and stays involved in day-to-day operations. When the weather warms up and ski season ends, Jane finds other ways to get active outdoors, including biking, sailing, swimming and running. She’s participated in the Ride for Roswell for close to 20 years and the Empire State Ride, a seven-day adventure across New York State, for almost four years.

For Jane, it all comes down to the wind on her face. There’s just something about that feeling.

“Feeling the wind in my face is a little bit of a theme in my life. I definitely get it when I’m riding or skiing or hiking or doing anything outside. It’s just such a feeling of freedom. The wind in my face represents health, happiness and freedom,” Jane says.

Jane and her fellow ESR road warrior Bonnie hike to the top of a mountain at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY

Jane smiles while hiking a slope at Holiday Valley

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That’s a feeling that Jane continues to chase, even in the face of some of life’s biggest challenges, including the biggest one she’s faced yet.

Jane’s Cancer Diagnosis

One year ago, Jane was training to ride her bike across the U.S. with her friend and fellow ESR rider, Bonnie. But Jane felt off during training. She made an appointment with her doctor and went through an ultrasound and other testing to pinpoint the issue. In early April, Jane received devastating news: She has stage IV pancreatic cancer.

In the wake of Jane’s diagnosis, her family rallied around her, each one taking on a different supporting role.

“When you first hear those words that someone you love has a tumor, has cancer, there is a numbness that overcomes you. There’s a disconnect and potential for despair,” Dennis says. “But very quickly, you make a decision that there’s a job to be done. And I think it is remarkable what we’ve been able to do as a family.”

Their daughter, Kate, became the investigator, diving into Jane’s treatment and prognosis to fully understand Jane’s options. Maggie became the “soul” of the family, nourishing and supporting her loved ones, and Dennis became the facilitator, the one who saw to it that everything that needed to be done got done

That freed up Jane to focus on what matters most: fighting for her life.

“When you first hear those words that someone you love has a tumor, has cancer, there is a numbness that overcomes you. There's a disconnect and potential for despair. But very quickly, you make a decision that there's a job to be done. And I think it is remarkable what we've been able to do as a family.”

Dennis Eshbaugh

Jane’s Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

“I have not cried ever since my diagnosis. I didn't even cry when the doctor told me that I had cancer or when I told Dennis or my kids. But I'm going to cry when I ring that Victory Bell.”

Jane Eshbaugh

Jane’s advanced staging made her ineligible for surgery. With guidance from her family and her doctors at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, she decided on an aggressive treatment plan that included chemotherapy. She also had genetic testing of her genes and genetic testing of her tumor, the latter of which showed that she had two actionable mutations that qualified her for immunotherapy.

Once Jane finished chemotherapy, she transitioned to immunotherapy treatments every three weeks. The difference between the two courses of treatment felt like night and day. With immunotherapy, Jane says she feels healthier and stronger overall compared to the highs and lows that come with chemotherapy. She’s able to do the activities that she loves, like training for this year’s Empire State Ride.

“Roswell Park to me means hope,” Jane says. “When I go there, a guy is playing the piano or the accordion or the guitar. People walk in, and they’re scared a lot of times when they come through the door. But then you see them realizing that this place is helping us to get better, especially when you hear them ring the bell.”

According to Dennis, Jane undertook her cancer diagnosis with determination, optimism and a strong will. She’s focused on always having a positive attitude, making the best of life at every step, despite the challenges.

“I have not cried ever since my diagnosis. I didn’t even cry when the doctor told me that I had cancer or when I told Dennis or my kids,” Jane says. “But I’m going to cry when I ring that Victory Bell.”

Setting an Example for Her Kids

When Jane’s mother was battling breast cancer, Jane said she didn’t dwell on her pain but instead focused on being the best she could be. As Jane goes through her own treatment, she’s trying to emulate that mindset and pass it on to her own daughters. Her daughter, Kate, has this message for her mom:

“Mom, I want to tell you how inspiring you are to me. Throughout this journey, you have supported me as my mother, which is crazy because I'm the one who's supposed to be supporting you. But your ability to make the best of this and to keep living and to never give up, that's what keeps me going,” Kate says.

Kate Rauber

Fundraising to End Cancer

Jane is committed to riding in the Empire State Ride again this year, along with her husband Dennis and a crew of others on Team Holiday Valley. She’s excited for July and says she’s feeling great — so much so that she’s planning to ride the whole week. Last year, during chemotherapy treatments, she tag-teamed the adventure. Dennis drove the van while she rode, and they switched back and forth.

Since Jane’s diagnosis, her team has almost tripled in size, and team donations have continued to roll in. Jane is passionate about continuing to fundraise for cancer research so that one day there will be a cure for pancreatic cancer — and for the countless other types of cancer out there.

“To end cancer is optimistic but doable. And every day, we get closer. One day it’s going to happen. Empire State Ride is one of those things that are going to help find that end to cancer.”

Until that day, Jane plans to continue living in the moment and making the most of every adventure.

“Being on my bike and doing the things I love to do, that’s who I am. And cancer doesn’t get to take that away from me,” she says.

Stay in the loop on #ESR23 for more on Jane's 500+ mile journey.

How one woman is fighting back against cancer, for herself and others

Posted on April 21, 2023May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Meet Caitlin Pietz: Volunteer for ESR and Breast Cancer Thriver

On a sunny day in February, Caitlin Pietz stood in front of a small metal bell as a stream of sunlight cascaded through the windows beside her. With her husband Mark at her side, she proudly gripped the chain that hung from the mouth of the bell. For a moment, she stared out at the faces of the loved ones who surrounded her, pausing to take in the scene. Then, she pulled the rope with palpable excitement. A smile spread across her lips as the lobby filled with a brassy jingle and cheering rang out. At that, a new chapter began. Caitlin had officially finished her treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Volunteering for a Cause that Aims to End Cancer

For Caitlin, ringing the Roswell Park Victory Bell brought new meaning to a movement she’s already been part of for many years — a movement to find new treatments for cancer and, ultimately, save more lives. She’s volunteered for numerous Roswell Park events through the years like the Ride for Roswell and IceCycle. Doing so was her way of honoring her father who passed away from cancer. Her husband, Mark, would ride in these events while Caitlin volunteered.

In 2017, Mark decided to ride for three days in Empire State Ride, and Caitlin drove him to Weedsport. She stayed for dinner and sat in on the evening program, where she listened to a rider named David talk about his cancer journey. As it turned out, David’s cancer journey closely resembled that of Caitlin’s father, though David had survived and Caitlin’s father had not. After David’s speech, Caitlin gave him a big hug and shared her story. They soon became fast friends.

That serendipitous moment motivated Caitlin to really get involved with Empire State Ride. The next year, she signed on as a weeklong volunteer, making countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the riders. If you ask her about this, she’ll give you a smirk and say that hers were the best sandwiches, because they were made with love. Of course, she had additional duties, too, like assisting with the evening program and making sure riders with special dietary needs had the fuel and hydration they needed. At the end of the week, she was exhausted but happier than ever.

“I thought, ‘This has been the most tiring but best week of my life.’ It was just so much fun,” Caitlin says. “They talk about the ESR family, and that is no joke. You really do become family with these people.”

Caitlin Pietz

Caitlin returned as an ESR volunteer again in 2019 and had planned to return again after the pandemic — until she heard the three words that no one ever wants to hear:

You have cancer.

Caitlin’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Throughout Caitlin’s volunteer efforts, she never expected to be on the receiving end of her efforts to drive lifesaving cancer research. In 2022, however, Caitlin went to a routine mammogram the day after her 50^th birthday. When her doctors sent her for additional testing, including mammograms, biopsies and MRIs, Caitlin knew something was up. Her doctors soon delivered the news that Caitlin had invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer.

“That started a journey of 10 months,” Caitlin says. “Two surgeries, a lot of visits in between and then chemo and radiation. And I will say, the journey was tough but the staff at Roswell Park was amazing.”

Caitlin said that the staff at The 11 Day Power Play Resource Center helped her get oriented with the hospital and even walked her through a dry run of what to expect before chemo to make the actual treatment less nerve-racking.

“There was never a point when I didn’t have answers. Roswell Park … I just can’t imagine going any place else,” she says. “The journey wasn't fun — probably the worst 10 months in my life overall. But here I am, on the other side of it, thanks to Roswell; thanks to the amazing doctors and staff and nurses and aides and everybody who has given me a perfectly healthy prognosis going forward.”

Caitlin Pietz

Bringing her Volunteer Efforts Full Circle

Despite her struggles, Caitlin says the day she rang the Victory Bell was one of the most emotional and gratifying days of her life. She threw a big party at a restaurant after her bell ringing and about 45 of her closest friends showed up. Almost 80% of them were people she met on the road during Empire State Ride. Many were also in the crowd as the sound of victory rang out after her last treatment, including Dr. Joyce Ohm, Chair of Cancer Genetics and Genomics at Roswell Park and an ESR road warrior.

“I see riders every day and tell them, ‘Those dollars matter. Those $5, $10, $20 donations are going to turn into cures, and they’re going to save lives,” Dr. Ohm says, reflecting on her research efforts.

During the course of Caitlin’s treatment, she saw, firsthand, some of the advancements in treatment options available thanks to research funding raised through events like the Empire State Ride.

At Roswell Park, Caitlin had access to a test that allowed her doctors to personalize her treatment plan based on her genetics and specific type of cancer. This simple genetic test shows whether a patient with breast cancer will benefit from chemotherapy. Though Caitlin’s test showed she would need chemotherapy, an estimated 70% of patients with common forms of breast cancer may not need it as part of their treatment plan.

“Every day during Empire State Ride, we realize why we're all doing this, and it is to raise money to find new treatments for cancer, new research dollars,” Caitlin says.

Caitlin Pietz

Caitlin’s Favorite Part of the Empire State Ride

For the 2023 Empire State Ride, Caitlin plans to greet her ESR family at the finish line and cheer each and every one of them on for their accomplishment. She’ll also be volunteering that day and hopes that she’ll be able to volunteer for the full week again next year. In the meantime, she’s grateful she can take in her favorite part of the adventure.

“The best part of the whole thing? Seeing that finish line moment,” she says. “It’s so great at the end, because they reach the finish line and everyone’s crying because it was such an emotional week hearing all the survivor and patient stories.”

Will you join Caitlin in her mission to end cancer?

Meet first-time ESR road warrior Laura Jean

Posted on April 10, 2023May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Her Journey from Kidney Donor to Road Warrior

For aspiring Empire State Ride road warrior, Laura Jean, this July will look much different than it did just a year ago. She’s set her sights on riding 500+ miles from Staten Island to Niagara Falls for the first time ever. Already, Laura’s envisioning the roar of the crowd at the finish line and the smiling faces waiting to greet her at the end of her weeklong journey.

“I’m an emotional person, so I can guarantee that I’ll probably be sobbing. It’ll be part of the accomplishment: seeing a lot of friends and family and knowing the difference that I’ve made.” She smiles and adds, “and then, I’ll probably feel pure exhaustion, too.”

Of course, that exhaustion will be a different kind of fatigue than what she felt last year.

An act of heroism

On July 11, 2022, Laura lay in the recovery room of her local hospital following a surgery to remove her kidney. Though she is the picture of health, she had committed to donating her kidney — to a perfect stranger.

Prior to the procedure, Laura never once met her recipient, Elena DePaolo. In fact, Laura had come to learn about Elena’s story through Facebook. She considered helping at first, but then Elena’s story disappeared, and Laura assumed she had found a match. Then, a few months later, the story resurfaced. Laura dug a little deeper and saw that she and Elena shared many things in common — like their hometown and several mutual friends, just to name a couple. What was serendipitous about all of this was that both women are adoptive mothers.

“I just felt really connected at that moment, and I thought that I had to give it a try. By the end of the month, I had reached out to start the process of donating my kidney,” Laura says.

To many, Laura’s act of heroism in the face of a call for help is one for the headlines. For the 40-year-old Niagara Falls native, however, it’s the story of how a stranger became a close friend.

Laura and Elena had a chance to meet in the hospital following the procedure, and now the two regularly get together for coffee or playdates for their kids.

“I met her the day after my transplant, and it was really emotional.” Elena says about their encounter. “When someone does something for you and you can never repay them, all you can think is, ‘She saved my life.’”

“There were lots of hugs and tears and a lot of emotion,” Laura says.

Elena recalls the first time Laura came to her house after the surgery to meet her three-year-old son. “He warmed right up to Laura the first time she came over. He was playing dinosaurs with her, and you could tell he knew she was a good person.”

Now, Laura’s planning to dedicate her Empire State Ride to end cancer to two people: Her mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and her new friend Elena, whose battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia started in 2016.

Elena’s Cancer Journey, from Her Perspective

Elena’s journey has had many twists and turns. While trying to start a family, she learned she had a condition that caused the organs on the left side of her body to be underdeveloped. Her left kidney had never worked.

Then, she learned she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and she turned to Roswell Park. Her doctors immediately took action to combat the blood cancer. As part of her treatment, Elena received a stem cell transplant in October 2016. She was put on an anti-rejection medication so the transplant would take. It did, and the treatments proved effective for the cancer. Elena entered remission.

But her pre-existing condition, the cancer journey and her attempts to get pregnant took a toll on Elena’s body.

In 2017, Elena was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease, which progressed over several years into end-stage kidney disease. She started dialysis in March 2022 and held her breath in the hopes of finding a donor. But Elena was determined to find one. She put up flyers and went on every major news station that would have her to ask if anyone would be willing to donate. When she posted the story on Facebook, everyone in her community reshared the message.

When Elena finally did connect with a potential donor, the opportunity quickly fell through. So, by the time Elena learned she had another donor, she was skeptical.

“When they called me for the second time, I was afraid to be too excited. I didn’t tell anyone for a really long time,” Elena said.

When she met Laura after the surgery, however, her feelings had transformed. “When Laura walked in, I cried. I just felt like this complete stranger, who lived in the same town as me, helped me. It was like I met my angel.”

A Full-Circle Moment for Laura

For many, going through a major operation may warrant a little time off. For Laura, on the other hand, it was grounds to sign up for something big and challenging. Out of everything Laura is looking forward to this July during Empire State Ride, she hopes seeing Elena at the finish line will be a full-circle moment for both of them. She also hopes to inspire others to consider organ donation.

“I’m just hoping that people are able to see that you can go back to normal life after donating a kidney, and it’s a great gift to be able to give someone,” Laura said.

On Fundraising and the Road Ahead

Now, training and fundraising are in full effect for Laura. Though she originally worried about hitting the $3,500 fundraising minimum, it proved to be easier than anticipated. She’s already exceeded her original goal. She thanks her family, friends and the owner of a local small business for supporting her on her mission to make a difference.

Come July, she’ll be dedicating her ride to countless loved ones who’ve been affected by cancer, and she’ll wear their names on a custom jersey.

As for the Empire State Ride community right now? Laura says they’re already making her feel welcome.

“I’ve joined the Facebook group, so I can already gather the sense of community that this event brings. I’m really excited to get to meet some of the people that I’ve been interacting with on that site!”

Will you join Laura in her mission to give back?

Join Laura at #ESR23

The Official 2023 Empire State Ride Route

Posted on February 16, 2023May 31, 2023 by j.schifferle

The official ESR 2023 route is here!

Let’s take a deep dive into what our road warriors can expect as they embark on the ride of a lifetime this summer.

Check out the map of this amazing weeklong adventure*

*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Click each day to learn more!

Orientation

Wagner College, where orientation is hosted.

Orientation Day

Check-in begins at Wagner College on Staten Island. Feel free to arrive early and explore the city before orientation starts at 5 p.m.

CAMP: Wagner College
1 Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301

Day 1: Staten Island to Somers

Day 1: Staten Island to Somers

Miles: 63.3 miles
Elevation: 1,793 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38991310
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Here’s what’s in store for the first day of #ESR23

Take a group photo on the steps of Wagner College.
Ride on the Staten Island Ferry with views of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island and Battery Park.
Cruise along the west side Greenway bike paths, past The World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial, Aircraft Carrier Intrepid Museum, George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River.
Take city streets and the South County bike trail through Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx into Yonkers and Westchester County. Follow the east bank of the Hudson River, Day 1 ends at camp in Somers.

CAMP:
Somers Senior High School
Westchester County
120 Primrose St, Lincolndale, NY 10540

Day 2: Somers to Rhinebeck

Riders on the Walkway over the Hudson

Day 2: Somers to Rhinebeck

Miles: 79 miles
Elevation: 2,628 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38725829
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to you in July.

Here’s what’s in store for day two of #ESR23:

Head northeast through the towns of Westchester and Dutchess counties, past Vassar College.
Take an optional detour to the Walkway Over the Hudson for a photo opportunity.
Trek past the FDR Presidential Library, Vanderbilt Museum and Staatsburg State Historic Site
Camp at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, home of the largest six-day agricultural fair in New York State.

CAMP:
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Dutchess County
6636 U.S. 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Day 3: Rhinebeck to Albany

Day 3: Rhinebeck to Albany

Miles: 78 miles
Elevation: 2,938 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40374561
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Here’s what’s in store for day three of #ESR23:

Continue along the Hudson River to the Erie Canal.
Rest at the Discover Albany Visitor Center in Albany.
Embark on the final nine miles to camp at the Shaker Heritage Site, where the Shaker religion was first founded in the United States.

CAMP:
Shaker Heritage Society
Albany County
25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Day 4: Albany to Utica

Day 4: Albany to Utica

Miles: 100 miles
Elevation: 2,175 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38153702
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

It’s century day! Here’s what’s in store on day four as our road warriors tackle 100 miles for #ESR23:

Ride along the Mohawk River and the historic Erie Canal through small towns and villages until you make it to Utica, New York.
Stop at the official halfway point of the ESR adventure. Stage a photoshoot with picture frames and fun celebratory props!

Arrive at camp in Utica and celebrate your accomplishment during the evening programming.

CAMP:
Donovan Middle School
Oneida County
1701 Noyes St, Utica, NY 13502

Day 5: Utica to Weedsport

Day 5: Utica to Weedsport

Miles: 84.1 miles
Elevation: 2,034 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40374481
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Here’s what’s in store for day five of #ESR23:

Experience breakfast at the famous Flo’s Diner, home of the Ten Cent Coffee.
Pass through the picturesque surroundings of Oneida Lake.
Arrive at camp at Weedsport Speedway, home of the dirt racetrack, for a party with live music and good spirit.

CAMP:
Weedsport Speedway
Ontario County
1 Speedway Drive #415, Weedsport, NY 13166

Day 6: Weedsport to Spencerport

Day 6: Weedsport to Spencerport (brought to you by Batavia Downs)
Batavia Downs logo
Miles: 82.7 miles
Elevation: +1,988 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40441185
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Almost to the finish line! Here’s what’s in store for the penultimate day of #ESR23:

Continue west along the Erie Canal through Lyons, Palmyra, Fairport and Pittsford.
Take a quick stop at Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery for an afternoon ice cream.
Continue your ride until you arrive at camp at the American Legion Post in Spencerport.

CAMP:
Ferris Goodrich American Legion Post 330
Monroe County
691 Trimmer Road, Spencerport, NY 14559

DAY 7: Spencerport to Niagara Falls

DAY 7: Spencerport to Niagara Falls (brought to you by Destination Niagara USA)

Destination Niagara logo

Miles: 75.4 miles
Elevation: +1,724 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38070478
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

The final leg of #ESR23! Here’s what’s in store during the final stretch:

Continue west through Brockport, Albion and Medina.
Break for lunch in Lockport and take an optional stop at Lake Effect Ice Cream.
Ride through the scenic countryside as you take in wine country.
Arrive at DeVeaux Woods State Park and gather for a police-escorted ride to the finish line celebration down Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls.
Enjoy the celebration and a short post-ride program! Walk to the falls for a group photo and your signature victory pose.

Finish line:

Old Falls Street USA
101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Throughout the week, there will be a bus available to help road warriors struggling to complete the mileage. Riders can take it at the start of the day as a booster bus to the second rest stop or take the sag bus back to camp. The Empire State Ride is an experience for any rider who is prepared to take on the adventure of a lifetime to end cancer.

Read more about training for the Empire State Ride.

Training for ESR.

Day 1: 63+ miles

Day 2: 79 miles

Day 3: 78 miles

Day 4: 100 miles

Day 5: 84 miles

Day 6: 83 miles

Day 7: 75 miles

Join us at the finish line!

Posted on July 18, 2022May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Our ESR road warriors have committed to a 500+ mile journey across the state. Over seven days, they’ll tackle long distances, hills and exhaustion to honor everyone affected by cancer. Help us celebrate their accomplishment by cheering them on at the finish line! All enthusiasts welcome.

Saturday, July 30 @ 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

There will be food trucks, music and programming to honor our road warriors and congratulate them on completing their adventure. Our road warriors will cross the finish line around 4 p.m.

Here's what you can expect

Food trucks
42 North Brewing Tap Trekker
Live music
Programming on our riders’ impact
Opportunity to purchase ESR gear
Awesome signs and plenty of cheering
Smiles as hundreds of road warriors embrace that finish line feeling

What to Bring

Enthusiasm
Inspiration and willingness to create a sign
Spending money and appropriate gear for the weather

Parking

Discounted parking will be available for your family and friends in parking areas P1, P2 and P3 (Rainbow ramp) on the map below. Visitors should bring their parking ticket to the ESR finish line for a validation stamp that will earn them discounted parking when they leave. Parking is also available throughout the city at drivers’ own expense.

Homestretch! How to get those last-minute donations.

Posted on July 7, 2022May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Your fundraising efforts for Empire State Ride fuel critical research that directly impacts the lives of cancer patients at Roswell Park. As we enter the final weeks before our weeklong challenge, now’s the time to rev up donations to reach your goal in time for the big day. Whether you’ve already passed your goal or you’re almost there, we have you covered with fundraising tips to help you go the distance.

Check out these words of advice from your fellow road warriors.

leT YOUR DONORS KNOW THEIR IMPACT IS huge.

“From a fundraising standpoint, it’s really important for riders to stress that every dollar you raise gets multiplied by 13***. When you can show that financial impact, it is huge. People buy $10 worth of raffle tickets, for example, and it becomes $130 in grant research dollars. When you start putting it like that, it’s really easy for someone to give that $10. If you give me a hundred dollars, now it becomes $1,300 in grant research money. The power of that is amazing.”

– Road warrior Shelley Unocic.

*** For years, we’ve told you that your $1 donation can turn into $13 in external funding for cancer research. Now, we’re proud to announce that your $1 donation is now creating $23 in funding. This is thanks to your incredible support and the hard work Roswell Park researchers put in every day to advance new discoveries.
Read more about this change.

🚲 Team together.

“Everyone on our team went out and got donations. We purchased some things on our own and put baskets together. One hundred percent of those proceeds are going back to our team goal.”

– Road warrior Shelley Unocic.

🚲 Give people something in return.

“Try to do things that people can actually get something else out of, as well. Instead of just asking them to hand over a donation, ask them to put money toward a dinner or raffle.”

– Road warrior Erica Pompey

🚲 Don’t be afraid to ask.

“My father always said, ‘If you don’t ask, all they can do is say no.’ Right now, what I do for fundraising for team GBY9 is mail out 400 letters. Anybody that I know gets a letter —my doctor, my lawyer, the cleaners, whoever. Anybody I know will receive a letter. And that’s how I do my fundraising.”

– Road warrior Maria Thor

🚲 Remind people what it’s all about.

“I hit and bring to heart what it is really about. It isn’t really about the cycling, which is the fun part, but it’s about how we support the Roswell Park community and help with the fundraising for the clinical trial processes.”

— Road warrior Richard Noll

Use Your Contacts

“I use a very simple process. What I do is this: Every night at this time of the year, as I’m watching TV, I open my fundraising app and go into my phonebook, and I send personalized text messages with the link. Hey, Steve, it’s Rich. Hope all is well. As you know, this is my fifth year riding for Roswell. I would love your support again. I go through one letter of the alphabet every night. Then I go through my emails. Then I go back, and I start making personal phone calls.”

— Road warrior Richard Noll

However you choose to fundraise, keep the momentum going!

Camping at ESR: What you need to know

Posted on July 1, 2022May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Empire State Ride is just around the corner, and riders are in for the journey of a lifetime. Not only are we advancing cancer research from the seat of our bikes, but we’re also taking on a unique cycling challenge. If you’re anything like Maria Thor, you’re going to learn a lot during your week on the road.

“I did my first Empire State Ride, hopped on the bus and off I went. I’d never camped. I was a Holiday Inn girl, but I learned to camp, and I’ve learned a lot of things about myself that I never thought that I would do or could do,” says Maria Thor, veteran rider.

If you’re a first-time road warrior or thinking about becoming one next year, you may be wondering what to expect at camp. After a long day of riding, there’s no better feeling than freshening up and getting settled in for the night. By familiarizing yourself with the schedule and resources, you can make the most out of your camping experience. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect.

🚲Your experience Includes:

• No-hassle tent camping, including tent, chair, air mattress, clean towels and daily delivery of your luggage
• Shower truck, restrooms, , bike truck and mechanics support
• A HUB with rider information, beverages, snacks, first aid supplies, sunscreen, and cue sheets,.
• Wellness support, including first aid and physical therapists as well as optional for-cost massages
• Catered breakfast and dinner with consideration for dietary restrictions
• Charging stations for devices
• Nightly mission-based programming

🚲Schedule

Daily routes close at 3 p.m. each day. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with nightly programming at 6:15 p.m. that unites everyone around our shared mission to end cancer. Then, you have free time until 10 p.m. when quiet hours begin. You can use that time to enjoy our evening reception, chat with other riders, or just unwind while reflecting on the day.

🚲 Location

Day 1 (July 23): Wagner College, Staten Island
Day 2 (July 24): Somers High School, Somers
Day 3 (July 25): Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Day 4 (July 26): Shaker Heritage Society, Albany
Day 5 (July 27): Donovan Middle School, Utica
Day 6 (July 28): Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport
Day 7 (July 29): Ferris Goodrich American Legion, Spencerport

Here’s one last note from veteran rider, Richard Noll.

“At the end of the day, it's not about the ride. It's about the funds raised. And it's about hanging out at camp when you get there. Trust me, the beer tastes really good after a day of riding.”

Richard Noll

Thinking about tackling this summer adventure in 2023? Follow along on social and join our mailing list!

Packing pro tips (from riders who’ve been there)

Posted on June 14, 2022May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Tackling a seven-day, 500+ mile cycling adventure takes preparation. One of the best steps you can take to prepare for the Empire State Ride is to pack appropriately. From there, check out the tips below from our veteran riders for inspiration on some of the more unique items you might need.

🚲 Terry Bourgeois

ESR founder Terry Bourgeois suggests packing:

Flashlight for navigating camp
Vitamins, focusing on magnesium and potassium supplements for recovery
BioFreeze or a topical pain-relieving product
Earplugs to use in the tent
Desitin for skin irritation

🚲 Maria Thor

Six-year rider Maria Thor is always prepared with:

Performance bars
Packs of nuts
Pedialyte for hydration
Toilet paper with a plastic bag for use in between rest stops
Tube, co2 cartridge and bike tool

🚲 Joyce Ohm

Four-year veteran rider Joyce Ohm can’t leave home without:

Gallon Ziplock plastic bags – she packs her kits (jersey, bibs, sports bra, socks) in plastic bags for each day, with clothes for the evening, as well. Dirty clothes go back in the plastic bags. If it rains, suitcases can get wet, and the bags protect her clothing from rain.
Lightweight, fitted sheet to cover the air mattress
Battery-operated fan for the tent
Recovery shakes and a reusable water bottle
…. and most importantly: A sense of humor!

As part of the $3,500 fundraising commitment, riders are provided with a tent, air mattress, camp chair and towel service each day. Each rider is allowed two medium-size bags, plus a sleeping bag and pillow that we transport each day. The weight of any single bag may not exceed 35 pounds. Pack strategically to have everything you need to enjoy the week!

Rider spotlight: Doug Field

Posted on April 19, 2022May 20, 2023 by j.schifferle

Meet ESR Hometown Challenge Champion, Doug Field.

Five years ago, Doug Field felt off, like he wasn’t quite himself. He found himself getting dizzy, disoriented and confused about everyday details. He couldn’t remember how to get to a restaurant he frequented in Manhattan or how navigate his way through an airport without the help of his daughter. Something wasn’t right.

Doug’s suspicions were confirmed during a visit to his optometrist. His optic nerve was badly inflamed, and he was quickly referred to an ophthalmologist and a neurologist. Tests later revealed that Doug had metastases on his brain from cancer that spread from his lungs. He had never smoked. Since that time, Doug has worked closely with oncologists and neurologists to remove the metastases around his brain and prevent the cancer from worsening.

Rising above

Today, Doug’s mind is clearer and more focused than before. He undergoes immunotherapy and receives infusions every three weeks, but he’s persevering and continuing to push back against his diagnosis. In fact, Doug will soon be graduating with his Master of Business Administration degree and riding in the weeklong Empire State Ride alongside fellow survivors and thrivers.

“I feel good, and I’m grateful,” Doug says. “Now, my story is that I’m riding to help fund research to fight, have an impact and enable more people to be eligible for treatment across a range of cancers.”

Doug's 500+ Mile Hometown Challenge

In 2020, Doug completed the Empire State Ride 500+ Mile Hometown Challenge and raised approximately $10,000 in the fight to end cancer. He says that participating in events like Empire State Ride Long Island is a great way to raise funds to drive the research that helps people like him navigate their cancer diagnosis.

“I’m a direct result of research efforts,” Doug says, “My oncologist says that when she finished her oncology fellowship, the rubric showed three boxes for patients with lung cancer, meaning you had three choices [for treatment]. Now she says that it’s an entire spreadsheet of different combinations, drugs and therapies.”

Physically, Doug feels better than ever despite his condition. When the idea of cycling first came up in a conversation with a friend, Doug couldn’t imagine riding the distances he currently does. Now, he rides on the weekends with a group of cyclists and can easily cover 50 or more miles on his own. That all started from a simple desire to do something to further cancer research for future generations.

Whether you’re a novice rider or riding is part of your weekly routine, participating in the Empire State Ride Long Island is the perfect way to raise funds and work toward more clinical treatment options.

Don’t miss out — register today!

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