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

Posted on April 20, 2026June 23, 2026 by j.schifferle

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

The Power of Empire State Ride Fundraising

Empire State Ride has fueled its share of important cancer research over the event’s 12-year history. From generating seed funding for new ideas on how to treat cancer to enabling breakthrough treatments like SurVaxM, a brain cancer vaccine, funding from this event has moved the needle on how we treat cancer, bringing hope to patients everywhere. Riders play a major role in making these advances possible, each raising $3,500 or more for the cause. Since ESR’s inception, this has led to a collective $12 million raised for the mission to end cancer (and counting!).

Then there’s the small but committed group of Excelsior riders who go above and beyond the call of duty each year, 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. This study, entitled “Multi-Pronged Therapeutic Targeting of Pancreatic Cancer” explores a multidimensional, targeted approach to treating pancreatic cancer, a cancer that is notoriously hard to treat and expected to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030.

Who Funded the Pancreatic Cancer Research Study?

2025 Empire State Ride Excelsior riders who raised $20,000 or more helped fund this promising research project. A special thank you to …

Terry Bourgeois
Seth Brener
Maria Coccia-Bourgeois (Read Maria’s Story)
Scott Cohen
Douglas Eberhard
Jane Eshbaugh (Read Jane’s Story)
Thomas Flynn
Jerry Lewandowski (Read Jerry’s Why)
Vincent Loscalzo
Jason Maher
Emily Regan (Read about Emily’s Team)
Jacob Richey
Tim Richey
Steven Shepsman
Christine Standish

What Does the Pancreatic Cancer Research Study Investigate?

In simple terms, this new study uses a three-pronged approach to address the issue of treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Focused on generating preliminary data, the study will serve as a stepping stone to determine the effectiveness using KRAS and RAS inhibitors in combination with CDK inhibitors to boost a patient’s response to CAR T-cell therapy.

KRAS inhibitors have been successful in suppressing gene mutations individually, but response time is limited and treatment resistance still develops. Researchers will seek to inhibit and reverse resistance to KRAS inhibitors using RAS and CDK inhibitors while enhancing overall understanding of how treatment resistance develops.

From there, researchers will determine how pre-treating pancreatic cancer with KRAS and CDK inhibitors works when followed by the use of CAR T-cell therapy, which uses a patient’s own disease-fighting T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. CAR T-Cell therapy has proven highly effective in treating liquid tumors like leukemia but has not yet been as successful with solid tumors.

What Empire State Ride Makes Possible

By raising $20,000 or more, the 2025 top Excelsior riders are shaping our approach to cancer survivorship, building a model that’s aimed at long-term health. This is just one example of what Empire State Ride fundraising is making possible in the world of cancer research. We can’t wait to see where we go next!

Research Matters: Your Ride Powers Critical Cancer Research

Posted on April 14, 2026April 20, 2026 by Jocelyn McNamara

Research Matters: Your Ride Powers Critical Cancer Research

Before the Victory Bell ringings, the celebrations and the breakthrough treatments — there’s been research. That’s where progress begins. And right there, at the start line, is Empire State Ride.

Since 2014, funds raised by ESR participants have helped drive advancements in cancer research, breakthroughs that are saving lives today. To help put that impact into perspective, Roswell Park experts share why Research Matters and how the dollars raised through ESR are shaping the future of how we understand and treat cancer.

Roswell Park Experts Weigh In

The theme of the discussion, Research Matters, ties into a larger campaign across Roswell Park, highlighting the significance of science in the fight against cancer.

Mukund Seshadri, Dean, Office of Cancer Education and Training; Chair, Department of Oral Oncology
Joyce Ohm, Chair of Cancer Genetics and Genomics
Kenan Onel, Chief, Clinical Genomics; Director, Center for Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention

More Than a Decade of Progress

Dr. Ohm, who began her work in cancer research in 1997, had this answer to what has changed over the past decades when it comes to treating patients: everything.

“When I first started, we had literally three treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation. And those are still the mainstream treatments by which we treat our patients, and they work and they do wonderful things,” said Dr. Ohm. “But many [fundraisers] are patients, survivors or have family members who’ve been treated here. They started to hear a lot of different words in the hospital. Things like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, biologics, antibody-based therapy, small molecule inhibitors.”

She explained that, today, when patients come in, they get not generic treatments, but targeted options that are meant to treat their individual cancers in the best possible way.

Every one of these new approaches started in a lab. Many of them were funded by dollars raised through Empire State Ride.

An Idea -> A Breakthrough

Mukund Seshadri leads Roswell Park’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), which oversees the competitive review process used to award research grants through the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. These grants are what researchers call seed funding.

“Literally true to the word, it’s seed funding. It’s an idea that, at the stage of the seed, your donor dollars give it the water and fertilizer and everything else that’s needed for that seed to grow into a plant and hopefully a big tree that lasts,” said Dr. Seshadri.

Each year, Roswell Park scientists apply for these grants, which help launch new research initiatives that may one day lead to new treatments, diagnostics or prevention strategies. Philanthropic dollars, from events like Empire State Ride, help make this research possible. Top Empire State Ride fundraisers, who raise $20,000 or more, known as Excelsior Riders, even have the opportunity to designate a SAC grant to support a specific research project.

Dr. Seshadri reflected on receiving one of these grants early in his career when he was an assistant professor.

“When someone asks you what’s their return on investment, I’m the return on their investment.” Dr. Seshadri added, “So [the ESR Community], has literally provided that seed funding to countless projects across our cancer center that have gone from the whole spectrum of a simple idea in the laboratory to a clinical trial. You name it in the whole gamut. You have made it possible.”

World-Class Research at Roswell Park

From its inception in 1898, Roswell Park identified cancer research as a core element of its mission. Since then, groundbreaking research by Roswell scientists has led to greater understanding of the nature of cancer and to major advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Roswell Park has been designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer center for more than four decades. That means when you raise funds for Roswell Park, you’re supporting some of the top cancer care and research in the country … if not the world.

Dr. Onel is a physician scientist, so he sees the impact of the dollars raised on both the bench and the bedside.

“My department is called clinical genomics, and we take care of people and families that are increased risk for cancer because of their genes or because of their family history. We perform genetic testing and then we do something that actually doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country,” said Dr. Onel. “We actually created the world’s first medical home for people and families that are increased risk for cancer because of their genes or family history. It’s baffling to me why it’s not everywhere, but it’s not. We’re the first and the only one.”

By making new discoveries about cancer every day — how it grows, how to detect it, how to stop it — and using these discoveries to set the global standards for how to treat it, we not only save the lives of patients who walk through our doors, we help to save lives across the world.

Why Fundraise? Why Now?

Cancer research has always been imperative, but in today’s climate, that sentiment is especially true. The need for philanthropic funds to fill the gap in federal funding is urgent.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NCI fund most of the cancer research across the world; that’s the big money pool. However, right now, only about 4% of grants are being funded. So how does a researcher make sure their project doesn’t fall in the other 96% percent that goes unfunded?

“What you have to do is you have to have a great idea. You have to have an amazing team. You have to have a lot of preliminary data. While the NCI funds most of our research, the most important research dollars that we get come from you riding a bike. I ride my bike, too,” emphasized Dr. Ohm. “Those dollars fund the pilot projects. They fund the new idea. They let us ask a new question. They let us take a new direction. They let us get that missing piece of data that I need to convince those reviewers at the NCI that idea is really, really good, and it’s going to work.”

Funds raised by Empire State Ride participants like you are the change agent. Your efforts are what will bridge that gap, and your passion for this cause is what will save lives. There are patients today still searching for one more option — and Roswell Park researchers, hand in hand with the ESR community, are committed to bringing those innovations to the people who need them most.

The Mission to End Cancer

The word “cure” is one seldom used in talking about cancer. But, after 12 years and more than $12 million raised, its meaning has evolved.

“There probably is not going to be one cure for cancer, but I can tell you that we are curing individual patients’ cancers today,” said Dr. Ohm. “And we’re doing that with increasing frequency. There are more and more survivors every day that walk out of here, and they live long, happy lives, and they get to spend time with their families. And it’s amazing.”

That transition is because of you. And it’s also because of you that we believe ending cancer as we know it is within reach, but we can’t stop now. In fact, now is the time we need to pick up the pace, with our sights locked on the finish line.

Thank you for making a difference through Empire State Ride, and thank you for believing what we know to be true: Research Matters.

Learn more about your impact

2026 Empire State Ride Training Plans

Posted on December 12, 2025February 23, 2026 by j.schifferle

2026 Empire State Ride Training Plans

Start training for the 2026 Empire State Ride with Coach Charlie Livermore

Hi, everyone. Coach Charlie here.

The 2026 ESR training plans are here!

As a coach, I’ve been challenged to provide advice for a wide a range of riders. The training load for an advanced rider is too much for a beginner and the correct dose for a beginner will not help an advanced rider. To make it easy, I divided the ESR rider community into categories and created three versions of the training plan: Advanced, intermediate and beginner. I also added two new additions this year:

1) A new, two-day training plan for those riding from Weedsport to Niagara Falls.

2) A quick guide to determine how hard you’re working based on your breath (using rate of perceived exertion (RPE). This card can be printed and taped to your bike as an easy reference point.

Start date and length of each plan varies. For beginners, I stayed with the original 22-week plan since most of those in this category don’t have an indoor training option and can’t ride outside until spring due to weather conditions. The intermediate and advanced plans assume you have an indoor training setup or can ride outdoors.

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the cycling terms and learn how to read the plans. Understanding your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and breathing rate are especially important to ensure you’re working at the correct intensity.

Click below to learn the terms and how to read the plans.

Introduction

Whether this will be your first ESR or you are an experienced multi-day event rider, you’ll benefit from following one of the structured training plans.

Preparing your body for the challenge of riding 500+ miles isn’t just about riding more. You’ll achieve a better level of preparedness with quality training over quantity. Anyone can do the Empire State Ride; even a time-crunched athlete can feel confident at the start line if they train right.

Warm-up

Start every workout with a warm-up.

Warm-ups can vary, but you want to do at least 15 minutes of conversational pace riding before you start any high-intensity-interval workout. Focus on the execution of the intervals rather than time. After you warm up and complete the intervals, complete the remaining prescribed time of the at an easy endurance pace. Workouts will be listed with a total duration that is longer than the total time of the actual intervals to account for this.

Understanding intensity

I prescribed all workout intensities based on Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), a measure of workload to determine how hard you feel you are exercising. In a training setting, the RPE scale is from 1-10 (1 being no exertion and 10 being a maximum effort). Each workout in the training plan has an RPE associated with it to help guide you to the prescribed intensity. Below, Table 7.1 Workouts, RPE and Breathing Rate lays out what you’re trying to accomplish with each workout to understand the scale.

Chart of terms

Key workout terms

Recovery Miles (RM)

Recovery miles need to be very easy to allow you to recover from previous workouts. They’ll range anywhere from 40 – 60 minutes and should be substantially easier than endurance miles. It should be 2-3 on an RPE scale and have a frequency of 2-3 times per week.

Endurance Miles (EM)

Much of your riding time will consist of endurance miles. Many people refer to this as their forever pace, but it’s also the time around your interval sets. These rides should be a 4-5 on the RPE scale and range from 90 minutes to 6+ hours. Your speed will vary with hills but remember to keep your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) the same. Going uphill at the same speed requires more work, which can turn your endurance miles into steady state quickly.

Tempo (T)

Tempo workouts are faster than endurance miles but not all out (at your “lactate threshold”). These workouts help develop a stronger aerobic engine by maintaining an effort outside of your comfort zone. They should be a 6 on an RPE scale and range from 15 – 45 minutes for each interval. Be very careful that you don’t let your intensity level get into your lactate threshold. It’s easy to let it creep up, but faster doesn’t always mean better. You need to be able to sustain that pace for longer periods of time to get the best adaptation.

Steady State (SS)

Steady state workouts are probably the most well-known of these workouts. They’re an important part of training and very strenuous. They should be done at or slightly below your lactate threshold at an RPE of 7-8. These intervals are shorter than tempo because of the intensity involved. Each interval ranges from 8 to 20 minutes and has a 2-to-1 recovery ratio. A typical workout may look like 3×10 min with 5 minutes of active recovery between each interval.

Power Intervals (PI)

Power Intervals are short, extremely strenuous intervals that help develop your VO2max. They last 1 to 5 minutes at an RPE of 10. Warming up before these is even more important, so make sure to get in 15-30 minutes of conversational riding before you start the intervals. The recovery period is 1 to 1, so 1-minute intervals have 1 minute of active recovery.

Fast Pedaling (FP)

This workout should be performed on a relatively flat section of road or on an indoor trainer. The gearing should be light, with low pedal resistance. Begin slowly and increase your pedal speed, starting out with around 15 or 16 pedal revolutions per 10-second count. This equates to a cadence of 90 to 96 RPM. While staying in the saddle, increase your pedal speed, keeping your hips smooth with no rocking.

Concentrate on pulling through the bottom of the pedal stroke and over the top. After one minute of fast pedaling, you should be maintaining 18 to 20 pedal revolutions per 10-second count, or a cadence of 108 to 120 RPM for the entire amount of time prescribed for the workout. Your heart rate will climb while doing this workout, but don’t use it to judge your training intensity. It is important that you try to ride the entire length of the fast pedaling workout with as few interruptions as possible.

Rest Between Intervals (RBI)

This is the rest time between each interval. Note that this is active rest. The RPE is low at 1-2 but don’t stop pedaling during the RBI period.

Rest Between Sets (RBS)

This is the rest time between sets of intervals. Note that this is active rest. The RPE is low at 1-2 but don’t stop pedaling during the RBS period.

How to read a workout

Here is a typical steady state (SS) interval workout:

60min w/ 3x6min (SS), 3min RBI

All workouts start with the total time. In this case, it’s 60 minutes. Within the overall time, there is a specific interval set of three intervals. Each interval is 6 minutes long at the Steady State (SS) intensity and the rest between each 6’ interval RBI is 3’. The total amount of time of the interval set is 24’. So, what to do with the remaining 36’? Use some of the time before the interval set to warm up and ride the remaining time, less 5’, for a cooldown, at endurance miles (EM) intensity.

Beginner

This group consists of riders who are either brand new to cycling or start training in the spring and summer months just to prepare for ESR. Average speed of this group is generally 10-12 MPH.

Intermediate

The intermediate rider plan is also designed for cyclists who ride all year around. These riders won’t have a problem tackling the distance, but it will be a significant challenge. The average speed of this group is generally 14-16 MPH.

This group consists of riders who are either brand new to cycling or start training in the spring and summer months just to prepare for ESR. Average speed of this group is generally 10-12 MPH.

Two-Day

This abbreviated training plan spans eight weeks and gets you ready for the two-day ride. It is ideal for beginners or those with less time to train.

Advanced

The advanced rider plan is designed for cyclists who ride all year around, and cycling is their primary sport. These cyclists can easily tackle the distance of ESR. Their goal might be to ride the 560 miles at the highest average speed they can achieve every day or use the training stimulus of a big volume week to prepare for another event goal. The average speed of this group is generally 18-20 MPH.

Meet Coach Charlie Livermore

Pro-level Coach. Endurace Athlete. Cancer Surivor.

The Empire State Ride is lucky to have the support of professional-level cycling coach Charlie Livermore as an advisor and friend. Charlie is a training consultant on our adventure across New York State. He offers his expertise and tips to all ESR riders and joins us on the road each July to ride 500+ miles.

Check out more training blogs:

Pedaling and Shifting 101

How to Ride in Hilly Terrain

Strength and Mobility for Cycling

Nutrition and Hydration for Endurance Rides

Pitching Yourself to Local Media

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Pitching Yourself to Local Media

Your Empire State Ride in the News 📸

As an Empire State Ride road warrior, you’re doing something amazing: riding 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research. The more eyes we can get on your incredible efforts, the better, and we need your help to make that happen! Since our riders come from more than 27 states, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, imagine the people we could reach if we had local media coverage (or, hey, even national) in each of your hometown markets?

Here’s your guide to pitching your ESR journey to media.

1. Make a list of the media outlets in your area

Is there a feature show that seems like it would be a good fit? Is there an anchor or reporter with a connection to cancer who might take an interest in this story? Find their contact information and get started!

2. Think about messaging

Once you have your list of contacts, think about your messaging and make that first contact. It always makes more of an impact if you can include details on your personal connection to the cause. Here’s an example of an introductory email:

a. [Subject] Story Pitch: I’m riding 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research

b. [Body] Hello, [name]

c. My name is _______. I’m a _____ native, and I’m cycling 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the nation’s first institute dedicated to cancer research. My goal is raise $____ for the cause. So far, I’m at $______. This seven-day adventure, Empire State Ride, begins in New York City on July 25, 2026, and ends in Niagara Falls on August 1, 2026. My ‘why’ for taking on this challenge is ____________________. I would love to do an interview with you to raise awareness for this incredible cause as I prepare to take on this journey. If you’re curious about the event, check out the ESR press-kit here. Please feel free to contact me at XYZ.

d. Thank you for your time,

e. [Name]

f. **Link to your fundraising dashboard**

3. Let Us Know!

If you hear back from one or more outlets, let us know! We are happy to provide you with video content of previous Empire State Ride events, impact information and more. If they’re interested, we could even get someone from our team to do an interview (virtual or in-person, depending on the area), as well.

4. Here's Some Fast Facts

To help your pitch, here are some fast facts:

Empire State Ride road warriors each raise $3,500 for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Nearly 250 riders joined Empire State Ride on the road in 2025, 46 of whom were cancer patients or survivors.
Over the event’s history, riders have raised more than $12 million for the cause, with $1.9 million raised for cancer research in 2025 alone.
Empire State Ride officially started in 2015, but one year prior, event founder Terry Bourgeois set off on a solo ride across New York State to test the idea of a cross-state cycling fundraiser.
For every dollar raised through Empire State Ride, Roswell Park scientists are able to leverage an additional $23 in external funding toward their research projects.

As an organization, we will also pitch stories throughout the recruitment season, but sometimes pitches from individuals can reach a different audience.

Keep us in the loop as you’re pitching to local media. We can help guide you along the way, from your first contact leading up to a potential interview. Ready for your close-up?! Use your passion to help get the word out about Empire State Ride in your hometown and across the country.

Get inspired. Check out these examples of ESR in the news:

Empire State Ride finished 500-mile trek across New York State | wgrz.com

City Man To Bike 500 Miles for Pediatric Cancer Research Fundraiser | News, Sports, Jobs – Post Journal

Huntington Native to Bike 500 Miles to End Cancer

Pedaling for Hope: 300 Cyclists Unite in a 500-mile Journey for Cancer Research

Excelsior Riders Fuel Pancreatic Cancer Research

Posted on May 13, 2025June 17, 2025 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Excelsior Riders Fuel Pancreatic Cancer Research

By committing to ride 500+ miles across New York State while raising funds for cancer research, Empire State Ride (ESR) road warriors know they are making a difference. The impact of ESR is happening right now, in New York State and worldwide.

When a rider raises $10,000 or more, they achieve Excelsior status. Within that group, road warriors who raise $20,000 or more reach a new level. Their funds are designated to a specific research project, approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Here’s a look at the most recent SAC grant awarded to promising cancer research.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Research

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a five-year overall survival rate of only 13%. That high death rate is largely due to the fact that the disease is often diagnosed too late and tends to be resistant to commonly used treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Current immune therapies, which are designed to help the body fight cancer, have not been very effective against PDAC because the tumor has a dense and poorly developed blood supply.

That’s where Dr. Aftab Alam and his team at Roswell Park come in.

An Urgent Need for New Treatment Options

Dr. Alam, Research Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Immunology, is working to uncover new treatment options to improve survival rates for PDAC patients. His research will focus on how fungi in our bodies might impact the development of pancreatic cancer.

“With this support, I will be able to improve my research, collaborate with other researchers in the field and gain a better understanding of how this type of cancer works,” said Dr. Alam.

Being selected for SAC funding is a competitive and rigorous process, one in which Dr. Alam needed to demonstrate high potential and established groundwork.

This project aims to explore how interactions between cancer and any present fungi affect the release of an immune signaling protein, which could ultimately impact the progression of the disease. Understanding the role of the exocyst complex (an important protein complex) could lead to new treatment strategies to change the tumor’s environment, encouraging a stronger immune response against PDAC and improving pancreatic cancer patient survival.

The Impact of Donor Dollars

For every dollar donated through events like ESR, Roswell Park is able to leverage an additional $23 in external grant funding for cancer research. That means the miles cycled by our road warriors are fueling lifesaving work and paving the way for the next generation of cancer care. Without those donor dollars, projects like this one may not have the resources to get off the ground and propel the next critical phase of research.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of Empire State Ride. The scientists at Roswell Park deeply appreciate your incredible commitment and effort in funding our research. Your dedication not only raises vital financial support but also amplifies awareness of the critical importance of cancer research. Every mile you ride makes a profound difference and inspires us to push forward in our work. Thank you for being true champions of cancer awareness and for bringing hope to the fight against cancer. You are making a significant impact! Keep pedaling, you have our unwavering support and appreciation.”

— Dr. Aftab Alam

Curious about what other projects ESR Excelsior riders have funded over the years? Click here to learn more.

$1 to $23

Fueling Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research

Life on donor-funded clinical trial: SurVaxM

Posted on May 13, 2025June 18, 2025 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Life on donor-funded clinical trial: SurVaxM

In January 2022, Tracey Kassman, then 64 years old, faced the reality that her life may be ending sooner than expected. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma after doctors uncovered a brain tumor. Glioblastoma has an average life expectancy of 12-18 months.

“I had sort of made peace with the idea that this is a terminal illness, but I also realized that there was a whole lot of other stuff that I wanted to do,” said Tracey.

Tracey underwent radiation and chemotherapy at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Then, to her surprise, that April, she was presented with another option.

“Dr. Chinazom Ibegbu, who I adore by the way, said, ‘I think you would be a good candidate for this vaccine that we’re running trials on. Would you be interested in participating?’ And I was like, ‘Let’s see … It’s a really bad prognosis if I don’t do anything, so let’s just do everything we possibly can to try to make sure that I have more birthdays.”

And so, Tracey enrolled in the double-blind SurVaxM clinical trial. That was three years ago.

SurVaxM Brain Cancer Immunotherapy

SurVaxM is an immunotherapy for glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. The new treatment option was created in a lab at Roswell Park by Dr. Robert Fenstermaker, Chair of Neurosurgery and Dr. Michael Ciesielski, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery.

In 2024, SurVaxM received Fast-Track status from FDA. Funding from events like Ride for Roswell and Empire State Ride (ESR) played a key role in getting these trials off the ground, which in turn benefits patients not only here in New York, but now nationwide.

“When the opportunity came for me to have another way to extend my life, it was like I had to switch gears of, ‘I’m going to die right away’ to ‘Hey, maybe not,’ and I kind of liked that, ‘Hey, maybe not.’ I felt so lucky. I felt lucky to be here. I felt lucky to be surrounded by people who cared at Roswell Park. I still feel lucky.”

Life on the clinical trial

Since Tracey is on a blind clinical trial, she doesn’t know for sure if she’s getting the real medication or the placebo. But, she jokes, “I have my suspicions.”

Today, Tracey is focusing on life beyond being a patient. She’s diving into the things she loves; she completed a writing workshop, taken up water aerobics and is spending more time working in her garden and with her family.

“This treatment doesn’t interfere with any part of my life really, other than getting here two days every two months.”

Message to Roswell Park Fundraisers

Tracey believes supporting cancer research is more important now than ever before, and she is grateful to the people who dedicate their time and talents to raising funds for Roswell Park.

“The thing that makes Roswell Park so great is that they’re preeminent in the research field,” she added. “The reputation is great, but it’s only great because they care so much about the patients. Any effort that somebody wants to give, any money they want to raise or how many miles they want to ride has got to be fueled by that feeling that this is worthwhile. And of course it is.”

After all, Tracey is just one example of how worthwhile those efforts truly are.

For every dollar donated to Roswell Park directly or through events like ESR, our experts are able to leverage an additional $23 from external grants for cancer research. This is thanks to the support of road warriors and the hard work of Roswell Park researchers.

“I don’t know of any other charity in Buffalo that’s as focused as Roswell Park is. That’s how you know that any money being raised is not wasted. It’s going to be used for patient support and staff support and research,” Tracey exclaimed. “That gives you a great feeling. They grew SurVaxM right here. It’s a homegrown thing. I’m all about that.”

The phase 2B randomized SURVIVE trial is currently underway with existing patients at Roswell Park and 10 other centers nationwide but is no longer recruiting new patients.

How ESR is fueling the next breakthrough in cancer care

The ‘why’ behind ESR’s co-presenting sponsors

Posted on April 17, 2025June 18, 2025 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

The ‘why’ behind ESR’s co-presenting sponsors

Empire State Ride’s mission to end cancer is what compels more than 200 people to cycle across New York State every July. But, the riders aren’t the only people called to this movement. For our co-presenting sponsors, Port X Logistics and Timberbuilt, the impact of this event is also personal.

Let’s get to know ESR’s co-presenting sponsors.

What is Port X Logistics?

Port X Logistics is a transportation company that specializes in expediting containerized cargo throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their core beliefs include, “deliver WOW through service” and “embrace and drive change.”

What is Timberbuilt?

By combining timeless aesthetics with the industry’s most energy-efficient enclosure system, Timberbuilt creates comfortable, architecturally distinct, sustainable homes with take-your-breath-away looks engineered to last generations.

The path to partnering with ESR

This is the third year Port X Logistics is sponsoring ESR. CEO and founder Brian Kempisty says they got involved when someone on their team had a loved one undergoing treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Since then, we have sadly had even more family and friends of team members sent to Roswell Park to receive treatment, and we have come to be familiar with what Roswell Park and ESR do for the cancer community and the differences and progress they are making in cancer research,” Kempisty explained.

Timberbuilt is a new ESR sponsor this year. When they learned of this seven-day adventure to raise funds for cancer research at Roswell Park, they didn’t hesitate to join the cause.

“At Timberbuilt, we’re incredibly proud of our Western New York roots. Whether it’s gifting local maple syrup to out-of-town clients or enthusiastically saying “Go Bills!” in every conversation, we truly embrace the spirit of our community,” said Irene Klemens, the social media manager at Timberbuilt. “With a world-class cancer research facility right in our backyard, supporting Empire State Ride felt like a natural fit.”

Partnership with purpose

Leaders at Port X Logistics and Timberbuilt understand that doing their part to raise funds for critical cancer research not only benefits their own teams, but also their communities and – in a greater sense – their world. That’s because when you support Empire State Ride, you’re fueling the next great breakthrough in cancer care.

Port X Logistics

“At Port X Logistics, supporting Empire State Ride means being part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about logistics (although there is a lot of that involved in making sure the event is successful). It’s about backing a powerful mission to raise funds for cancer research. We’re proud to stand behind the riders as they push through every mile and to celebrate community, determination, and impact.”

Timberbuilt

“While we’re in the home-building industry, cancer has touched each of us in some way. From family friends to parents to aunts and uncles, we all know someone who has battled against cancer. And many of them received treatment at Roswell Park. Supporting this event means supporting the institutions that have been there for us during some of our most challenging times. We’re proud to contribute to a cause that can make a real difference for so many families and individuals facing cancer.”

Interested in teaming up with ESR?

There are many different ways organizations can get involved in ESR, including sponsorship, in-kind donations, volunteering and more.

To find the best opportunity for you and your workplace, contact Marianne Minbiole.

Learn more about partnering with ESR

What are you waiting for? Let us help you make your decision

Posted on April 3, 2025May 7, 2026 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

What are you waiting for? Let us help you make your decision

There’s a reason you keep returning to the idea of doing Empire State Ride. So, what’s holding you back? With the help of some current road warriors, we want to guide you in answering that question and give you the tools to commit to the adventure of a lifetime.

**Some of the input from road warriors was gathered from the registered riders’ Facebook group, something you could be a part of once you sign up!

What is Empire State Ride?

Empire State Ride (ESR) is a 500+ mile cycling challenge beginning in New York City and ending in Niagara Falls, New York. Catered camping is an essential part of the experience, with meals, tents and programming provided each day.

However, ESR is more than just a ride. Funds raised through this event are paving the way for the next generation of cancer care. Since ESR began in 2015, it has raised more than $10 million for cancer research and clinical trials at the nation’s first cancer center dedicated to research, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

That’s the overview; now, let’s get into some of your specific questions!

What if I don’t know anyone on ESR?

The ESR Community grows every year. You may enter this journey as a solo rider, but you’ll cross the finish line with nearly 300 like-minded individuals, brought together with a common goal.

“I was on the fence 3 1/2 years ago. I never thought I could do something this "crazy.” I decided, if people could go through all cancer treatments, I could try and do something I love in their honor and raise money for research. I thought I was just going to ride one year. I got hooked. I challenge you to join me and let me know how it was once you cross that finish line. Strangers at the start become family by the end. I'm addicted to this ride.”

Mary

Four-time ESR road warrior

“You’ll connect alright. 250 new brothers and sisters. All great folks to welcome you.”

A person with a red clown nose and round sunglasses wears a blue cap with "500" printed on it. They are dressed in a yellow patterned shirt over a graphic t-shirt that reads "Empire State Ride." The background is a blurred outdoor scene.

BillyTheKid

Three-time ESR road warrior

But … that’s not all. New riders can also opt-in to receive an ESR mentor who will guide them through fundraising, training, packing and more. Mentors are returning riders who can pass their knowledge onto first-time road warriors and help answer any questions leading up to their week on the road.

Is my skill level on par with the ESR route?

Cycling from one corner of New York State to another over seven days is no easy task, even for experienced riders. However, there are resources and tools you can lean on to modify or enhance your ride.

ESR partners with professional cycling coach Charlie Livermore as an advisor and friend. Charlie is not only a coach at Synergy Performance Systems, but he also serves as a training consultant on our adventure across New York State. He offers his expertise and tips to all ESR riders and joins us on the road each July to ride 500+ miles. Charlie put together three different training plans (beginner, intermediate and advanced).

Check out the training plans

Relaxed Route: Riders wanting to shorten the days’ mileage can take a morning shuttle to rest stop two as an added “boost.”

“People, the staff and volunteers are AMAZING. The route is a little tough but beautiful. The support staff has your back. No shame in taking the buster bus or SAG,” said Mary Reilly.

Hilly Route and Bonus Miles: Riders looking for an additional challenge have the option to add 20 additional miles to the end of either the standard or hilly route on days one and two. They can also opt in to a hilly alternative route on days two and four that deviates from the standard route.

See the full route here

What about fundraising? I’ve never done it before!

Every ESR road warrior is responsible for raising $3,500. While that amount might seem intimidating at first, our fundraising experts are here to help you each step of the way. Tools include an ESR app, customizable printed materials, social media graphics and more. Additionally, the ESR staff can offer guidance, answer questions and support you in your fundraising efforts.

Hear from our fundraising experts

Another key part of fundraising is understanding where the funds go. As an ESR road warrior, you can truly change lives. The funds you raise support cutting-edge cancer research at Roswell Park and ultimately influence how we treat all types of cancer, everywhere.

Our mission to end cancer keeps ESR riders motivated and inspired.

“Two of my siblings, Bobby and Carolyn, along with others in my family were taken too soon by cancer, and that is the reason I ride. I encourage others to join this amazing experience and do something tangible to impact cancer research.”

Rich

Two-time ESR road warrior

How does camping work?

ESR is a seven-day journey, and catered camping is provided each night up until you cross the finish line. For many riders, the memories made at camp are a highlight of the experience.

“Camp is part of the camaraderie that makes ESR so special. It’s a great way to meet other riders and hear why people are there."

Steve

ESR Co-Chairman

Our behind-the-scenes team handles the set-up and take-down at each campsite. You’ll be provided with a tent, air mattress, clean towels and the daily delivery of your luggage from one stop to the next. Camping also includes a shower truck, rest rooms, bike mechanics, massages for purchase and more.

Learn more about camping

Still have questions about the adventure? Don’t let the unknown hold you back from joining this incredible cause! Reach out to our team at EmpireStateRide@RoswellPark.org or 716-845-3179.

Registration closes on June 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet your community and build a lasting legacy.

After all, road warrior Rich Catan put it best: “If not now, when? You can do it!”

Register today

Read the stories

Hitting Your Fundraising Goals

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Hitting Your Fundraising Goals

Once you sign up for the Empire State Ride (ESR), you commit to raising at least $3,500 for the cause. Those $3,500 in donations go a long way when it comes to treating patients today and finding cancer cures for tomorrow. Remember, for every dollar donated through ESR, Roswell Park researchers can leverage an additional $23 in additional grant funding.

Learn more about $1 to $23

If you’re stumped on how to reach your fundraising minimum, we’re here to help!

Meet our fundraising experts Regina, Mackenzie and Sierra!

Years with ESR: 2

I’m looking most forward to … Weedsport! By Day 5, everyone on the road has created new lifelong friendships. We get to celebrate making it most of the way to Niagara Falls and we recognize our awesome fundraisers!

Out-of-the-box fundraising idea: Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Promote your fundraising page and share why you ride. Explain to your potential donors how much of an impact they really have by sharing where the funds go. Don’t forget to join the Facebook group “2025 Empire State Riders” and ask our returning riders what fundraising efforts are most successful for them!

Contact: sierra.etkin@roswellpark.org

Sierra

Mackenzie

Years with ESR: 6

Favorite part of ESR: It’s hard to pick just one! I love seeing a rider conquer a day of riding that they didn’t think they could do. I love hearing stories throughout the week of why riders decided to join ESR, I love the scenery at all of the rest stops, and the band at Weedsport was the best!

Out-of-the-box fundraising idea: I always make a public show of thanking my donors. It’s not only a great way to thank those that have given but it draws attention to your fundraiser every time you do it. You never know which Facebook friend will decide to donate.

Contact: Mackenzie.giancarlo@roswellpark.org

Years with ESR: This is my first year!

I’m looking most forward to … getting on the road this summer and experiencing the community aspect of ESR. I’ve loved getting to connect with riders over the phone and learn their “whys” to ride. I’m excited to witness and feel those “whys,” and to share my own over 7 days and across 500+ miles with this community.

Out-of-the-box fundraising idea: Encourage donors to forgo their daily/weekly coffee. Set aside that money for a set period of time and donate it instead! For example, if you forgo two $6 coffees a week for 6 weeks, that’s $72 you can donate!

Contact: regina.misercola@roswellpark.org

Regina

Get Started

For anyone new to the fundraising game, the main piece of advice we have is to utilize ESR resources. Riders have access to exclusive social media badges, print materials, informational documents and even an Empire State Ride app. Check out our full toolkit here.

Hitting your $3,500 fundraising minimum starts with taking a few simple steps once you register. We encourage all riders to personalize their fundraising pages (dashboards) with a photo and a few sentences explaining why they’re participating. In other words, why does this cause matter to you?

Lean on Social Media

Once your dashboard is updated, share it within your network! That means family members, friends, coworkers and more. You can share the link to your dashboard via email, text and, of course, social media posts. Facebook posts and Instagram Stories are great resources for getting the word out about your fundraiser.

Have professional connections who may be interested in the mission to end cancer? Try sharing the link to your dashboard in a post on LinkedIn. All these outlets can be beneficial for fundraising, and the key is consistency. Remind your friends and followers often with several posts leading up to the event.

Download the ESR MyHub app

Download the ESR MyHub app to reach your fundraising goals even faster. The app will help you secure donations, track your progress toward your goal and even offers mobile check deposit!

Donate to Your Own Page

When trying to reach your fundraising minimum, start off strong with a donation to your own fundraiser. Even a $5 or $10 self-donation shows your network that you’re serious about raising funds, and you’re invested with them!

Share the Facts

Donations to Empire State Ride benefit critical cancer research and clinical trials at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Utilize the resources from ESR to show your donors (and potential donors) the real-life impact of their gifts.

Check Your Email

The ESR team communicates with riders heavily through email. Check your email regularly to stay in-the-know, learn about your impact and read spotlights on ESR road warriors. You may also find tips and tricks, fundraising incentives and other tools to help guide your journey heading into your weeklong adventure.

If you do all the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to hitting $3,500! But don’t stop there. Set your goal higher every time you hit it, and you’ll be amazed at the difference you can make.

And don’t forget, our team is cheering you on each step of the way! Contact EmpireStateRide@RoswellPark.org or 716-845-3179 with questions or concerns as we prepare for ESR.

More Fundraising Tips

Team spotlight: the Regulators

Posted on December 27, 2023March 5, 2024 by j.schifferle

Meet the Regulators

"Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."

- Disney’s Lilo and Stitch, 2002

Each Empire State Ride road warrior who tackles the adventure in July hopes to glean something different from riding their bike 500+ miles across New York State. For those on Team Regulators, it comes down to raising funds for cancer research and having fun while doing it.

“We’re just a band of misfits,” said Josh Lundquist, a founding member of the Regulators. “We’re all the non-super-serious cyclists who go to have a good time. We goof around; we pick on each other. It’s all in good fun to get your mind off some of the daunting hills and long days. Through that, we’ve made lifelong friends.”

The Regulators, led by 2024 team captain Amy Flynn, has become one of Empire State Ride’s largest teams, with 16 cyclists on last year’s roster. The growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, but one comes up time and time again: “picking up strays,” a term they use endearingly.

As a no-drop group, the Regulators often quote the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch as they pick up riders in need of motivation, making sure that nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Why? Because that’s what family does, and through the years, the Regulators have become just that: family. They do their best to make sure cyclists who take on the adventure solo or fall behind their group aren’t alone. As long as riders don’t mind the banter, they have a place with the Regulators.

“We come in last for two reasons. One: Because it’s not a race, and we want to have fun and enjoy every single mile that we’re out there. Two: We really don’t leave anyone behind,” said Shelley Unocic, a long-time member of the Regulators. “You ride as fast as the slowest person who’s going to stay in that group with you.”

Riding with Purpose

The Regulators often joke that they aren’t the fastest team (often self-declared dead last), but they have grit and a fierce passion for riding to end cancer. In fact, their team was the third top team last year, raising more than $106K for cancer research at Roswell Park and beyond.

For Shelley, being a part of the Empire State Ride movement is a chance to make a lasting difference in the mission to end cancer.

One fact that motivates her, in particular, is that for every dollar donated to ESR, Roswell Park is able to leverage an additional $23 from external grants toward cancer research. That means donations have a huge impact on the future of cancer care, paving the way for innovative new treatment options.

Shelley has helped the Regulators become a fundraising powerhouse with her unique ideas, unbeatable drive and passion for the cause. Not only do these riders stay in contact year-round, but they fundraise together. The Regulators have found great success in unique fundraising methods like hosting a hockey tournament, working concessions at the Buffalo Bills games and encouraging riders to use their unique talents for the cause.

“We fundraise together as a team, and it makes life easier,” Josh says.

How Josh Got Started on the Regulators

Like so many riders, the cancer cause is highly personal to each member of the Regulators. For Josh, ESR first became a thought when he saw an ad during a Buffalo Sabres game.

“I said to my friend Mike, ‘Listen, when I’m fully recovered, we’re going to do this.’ And he looked at me and goes, ‘Are you serious?’”

Josh was serious. At that time, he was battling a rare form of testicular cancer, a diagnosis he received after dealing with continued kidney pain. In the emergency room, he learned he had a tumor the size of a softball that wrapped around his aorta, vena cava and the ureter to his left kidney.

Josh explained that his particular type of cancer doubles in size every 11 days. To stop the progression, he went through six rounds of chemo over the course of about four months and had his kidney removed.

“I had my last treatment on Christmas Eve. The next Friday, I put my ice skates back on and played hockey. I just wasn’t going to let cancer take me away from me.”

Not long after, he and Mike, his friend of 20 years, signed up for ESR together. They’ve been an integral part of the ESR community ever since.

Shelley’s Inspiration for Riding

When Shelley Unocic first heard of ESR, she doubted whether or not she had what it took to ride 500+ miles across New York State. She questioned, “I was in my mid-40s. I am not an athlete. I’m just an average mom.” Soon she would learn, she is anything but average.

She mustered up the courage in 2020 to sign up. She was ready for the experience of a lifetime. Then, COVID-19 hit, and the ride she had envisioned was no longer an option. Still, that didn’t keep her from raising money and putting in the miles. She took part in the Hometown Challenge that year, and in 2021, she was finally able to get the full seven-day ESR experience.

“It was life changing. I thought I was one and done, and now I’m in year five and will probably ride ESR until I can’t ride my bike anymore,” said Shelley.

Like so many ESR road warriors, Shelley too has a connection to the cancer cause.

“My father-in-law passed away from esophageal cancer. By the time he had been diagnosed, it was stage 4. They gave him two months to two years to live. He lasted 12 months, and it was eleven months of hell.”

While her efforts through ESR couldn’t have saved her father-in-law, she knows that being a part of this movement is changing the future of cancer care … and that keeps her going.

ESR’s 10th Anniversary

2024 marks 10 years of ESR. When asked if they’d be there for the milestone, neither Josh or Shelley hesitated.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. ESR has become a staple in our life,” said Josh. “We rode with Terry when we found out we hit $1 million for cancer research. That kind of stuck with me, and I want to be there for when we hit the next milestone and the next milestone.”

Shelley added, “The 10^th anniversary just speaks volumes to Terry’s vision and how far it’s come. The fact that so many of us have been able to be on that journey for so many years and get it to where it is, is a special feeling. I tell people this event is a life-changing event. It certainly changed my life.”

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Start training for the 2026 Empire State Ride with Coach Charlie Livermore

Hi, everyone. Coach Charlie here.

Start every workout with a warm-up.

Beginner

Intermediate

Two-Day

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Meet Coach Charlie Livermore

Check out more training blogs:

Pitching Yourself to Local Media

Your Empire State Ride in the News 📸

1. Make a list of the media outlets in your area

2. Think about messaging

3. Let Us Know!

4. Here's Some Fast Facts

Get inspired. Check out these examples of ESR in the news:

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Partnership with purpose

Port X Logistics

Timberbuilt

Interested in teaming up with ESR?

What are you waiting for? Let us help you make your decision

What is Empire State Ride?

What if I don’t know anyone on ESR?

Is my skill level on par with the ESR route?

What about fundraising? I’ve never done it before!

How does camping work?

Hitting Your Fundraising Goals

Meet our fundraising experts Regina, Mackenzie and Sierra!

Sierra

Mackenzie

Regina

Get Started

Lean on Social Media

Download the ESR MyHub app

Donate to Your Own Page

Share the Facts

Check Your Email

Meet the Regulators

Riding with Purpose

How Josh Got Started on the Regulators

Shelley’s Inspiration for Riding

ESR’s 10th Anniversary

JOIN THE REGULATORS FOR THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMPIRE STATE RIDE

Connect with us!

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Connect with us!

Quick links

Contact info