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2023 Empire State Ride Raises $2 Million for Cancer Research

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

From July 22 to July 29, 2023, 276 cyclists embarked on the journey of a lifetime across New York State. Together, they raised $2 million for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. That’s a new fundraising record for the Empire State Ride, since the event began back in 2014.

Watch the 2023 Wrap Video!

The Journey

During the 500+ mile adventure, starting in New York City and ending in Niagara Falls, riders passed through 76 villages, towns and cities. They conquered countless obstacles, from heat and hills to storms and distance.

Riders came from 26 states (including Alaska) and the U.S. Virgin Islands with one common goal. They created unique bonds by sharing their stories and their why for taking part in #ESR23.

Every night, through evening programming, Empire State Ride road warriors learned more about the mission to end cancer and how their fundraising dollars are being put to work right now.

Want to revisit some of the best moments from your weeklong adventure? Check out the Empire State Ride Flickr album, with photos from each day.

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This is an image of an Empire State Ride road warrior cycling past the American flag

“This week was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had … I rode for my dad, and seeing him and my family at the finish line made all the struggles so worthwhile. I made amazing friends and got to see so much of this incredible state.”

Jeremy, 2023 ESR road warrior

“That's why I really wanted to do this ride, because I wanted to do something monumental that says, ‘I got cancer, and it's not going to stop me.’ It hasn't stopped me."

Melissa, 2023 ESR road warrior

“Empire State Ride means coming together once a year with a family that will continue to grow and that will raise what we need to raise to keep more research going … I encourage everybody to do at least one day of the Empire State Ride. One day can change your life.”

Harold, 2023 ESR road warrior

Join the Adventure

Be the first to know when registration opens for #ESR24 by joining our mailing list.

We look forward to seeing you on the road next summer for the 10th anniversary ride.

Save the dates:
July 20 – July 27, 2024

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Dollars at work

The Difference You Make with Empire State Ride

Posted on by Jackie Roberts McDonough

When you support Empire State Ride, you’re paving the way for the next generation of cancer care.

The funds raised by our riders benefit cutting-edge cancer research at America’s first cancer center dedicated to research, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through regional, national and global collaboration, the funds that come to Roswell Park go into efforts that will change the way we prevent, diagnose and treat cancers of all kinds everywhere. That means with Empire State Ride, your impact is worldwide.

Check out these videos to see how your dollars are being put to work right now:

CAR T-Cell Therapy

CAR T-Cell therapy, an innovative immunotherapy treatment, originally for blood cancers, that will now expand to solid tumors, thanks to forward-thinking, patient-focused leadership at Roswell Park.

Read more

SurVaxM

SurVaxM, a therapeutic vaccine designed to help patients with a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. SurVaxM was developed at Roswell Park by Robert Fenstermaker, MD, Chair of Neurosurgery, and Michael Ciesielski, PhD, Assistant Professor of Oncology.

Read more

Response to Therapy

Response to Therapy, an innovative blood test that will change the way we treat cancer by giving doctors real-time updates on how a patient is responding to treatment. A phase 1 study, funded in part by donations, is already underway at Roswell Park.

Read more
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Your $1 donation turns into $23 in cancer research funding

Honoring a life through Empire State Ride: Jerry Lewandowski’s story

Posted on by j.schifferle

Jerry Lewandowski's Story

When you walk through the doors of the Lewandowksi household, you’ll be welcomed in with warmth and kindness — whether you’re a friend or stranger. If you need something to eat, Jerry Lewandowski, 53, will happily fire up the grill. If you need a place to stay, his two kids, Grace, 22, and Jerry Jr., 25, will grab extra blankets and make space for you, no questions asked.

 

In a big house in a quiet suburban neighborhood outside of Albany, the three Lewandowskis work hard to carry on the long-standing traditions started by Theresa Puleo-Lewandowski, a mother, wife and respected lawyer. Theresa was an advocate for what the family called “taking in the strays,” which means welcoming all who enter with open arms. Their home has long been synonymous with community for those who know them.

“We called it our extended family,” Grace said. “My brother went to school with a lot of kids from a lot of different countries. When they couldn't go home during the holidays, my mom would invite six of them over to stay in the guestroom and basement. She really put her all into it. We'd have Easter eggs, and she'd make them Easter baskets, even if they didn’t celebrate. She always made sure everybody felt included.”

Grace Lewandowski
Jerry, Jerry Jr, Grace, and Theresa Lewandowski stand in front of the mantle at their home. Context.
Lewandowski Mantle

Navigating Life After Loss

In recent years, the Lewandowski house has taken on a quieter atmosphere. Some things have remained the same: their three dogs running around the house, a dusty old bike with a Ride for Roswell bib hanging in the garage. But much has changed.

The mantle now holds a lifetime of keepsakes: beloved pictures, diplomas, a box of candy. In the middle, a wooden box rests with candles on either side. For the last two years, the flame they share has never been extinguished — not since the candles were first lit in honor of Theresa.

Two years after losing her life to stage IV colorectal cancer, Theresa continues to make an impact through the hearts of those who loved her most.

Theresa's Legacy

Theresa always sought to do right by other people. “Taking in the strays” was just one of the many ways she made a difference for others. She was a woman of strong morals, and fighting for what’s right was in her DNA since day one.

Theresa came into the world two months premature with underdeveloped lungs and a string of health complications. She wasn’t given a proper middle name because the doctors didn’t anticipate she’d survive. But she fought hard and made it — and then she moved on to fighting for others.

“She was phenomenal,” her husband, Jerry, said. “She really was. She was very understanding, very loving. I don’t know how she kept all the balls in the air and still maintained her career. Everything was for her family. And yet — she was able to maintain the professional, ethical lifestyle that she chose as a career.”

On the job as a trial litigator, Theresa’s poised demeanor and sharp, pitch-perfect arguments commanded the courtrooms she worked in. At home, Theresa listened intently to her kids, Jerry Jr. and Grace, and challenged them, without judgement or anger, to always think critically about their choices. Her strong moral compass and high ethical standards earned her respect among colleagues and awe among her family and friends.

Jerry, Jerry Jr, Grace, and Theresa Lewandowski stand in front of the mantle at their home. Context.
Jerry, Jerry Jr, Grace, and Theresa Lewandowski gather together for a birthday celebration. Context.
Theresa Lewandowski cuddles the family dog. Context.
Theresa and Jerry stand together at a stadium
Theresa and Jerry Lewandowski smile at the camera

"Everything was for her family. And yet — she was able to maintain the professional, ethical lifestyle that she chose as a career.”

Jerry Lewandowski, on his wife Theresa

Honoring Theresa by Fueling Cancer Research

Jerry and Grace Lewandowski with their dog, Monty

Now, the Lewandowskis are figuring out life in a new chapter without Theresa. Each family member copes differently — sometimes, they cope together; sometimes, they cope in quiet moments alone. For Jerry, coping also means picking up where Theresa left off.

 

Theresa was an avid runner, so Jerry stepped up and completed a half marathon. Theresa cycled and participated in the Ride for Roswell. She also strongly supported Roswell Park, a place where she felt comfortable and at ease during her cancer treatments.

 

“We flew all over the country trying to find different treatments for her cancer. I remember one time walking into Roswell Park. Theresa turns around and says, ‘You know, every time I walk in here, I feel like I’m home.’ And that meant the world to me, that she was comfortable there.”

 

When Jerry learned about Empire State Ride and discovered that the proceeds fuel cancer research at Roswell Park and around the globe, he knew he needed to take on the weeklong adventure for Theresa.

 

“They say, spend just one day with us. And we did the one whole day with Roswell Park. Got there at like seven in the morning, and we didn’t leave until eight at night. We were going to go for other opinions, and she got done talking to the doctor, and she says, ‘Sign me up.’ And they opened up a trial to her and told her that they would accept her. And we got more time with Theresa because of that,” Jerry said. “I just want to give back as much as I can now.”

“We got more time with Theresa because of [Roswell Park]. I just want to give back as much as I can now.”

Jerry Lewandowski

Tackling a 500+ Mile Biking Adventure of a Lifetime

Jerry Lewandowski rides his bike in an ESR jersey. Context

The day of orientation for #ESR22, Jerry Jr. and Grace drove their father to Wagner College.   

“It was like dropping your child off,” Grace recalls. “Everybody was crying. We were hoping he was going to make friends and have a good time. We were so nervous to drop him off. And then ….” she pauses. “Normally every day at home, he calls us five times a day. What are you doing? What are you doing? On that weeklong ride, WE were calling HIM. He was so happy. He left us alone for the week. He fit right in, and he loves it. And he now plans to do it every single year.”

For Jerry, the Empire State Ride is both an opportunity to honor Theresa and a chance to connect with people who understand what he’s going through. Many of the people on the road have experienced the loss of loved ones to cancer or have battled cancer themselves.

“It's really hard to explain the bond that you feel with other riders. But everybody needs a purpose. Might be somebody else's story. Might be your story. But it takes all of us to move the needle to help get the funds needed [for cancer research],” Jerry said. “She taught us that: Make a difference in somebody else’s life.”

Jerry Lewandowski, on his wife Theresa

To date, Jerry has raised more than $96,485 for the cause.


Join Jerry by donating today.

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Jane Eshbaugh: Chasing the wind

Posted on 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 and her fellow ESR road warrior Bonnie hike to the top of a mountain at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY
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
Jane smiles while hiking a slope at Holiday Valley
Jane hikes a mountain at Holiday Valley

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.

A portrait of Dennis Eshbaugh sitting in the living room in front of a camera
A portrait of Jane's husband, Dennis

“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

Jane stares at NYC from the Staten Island Ferry during ESR

“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

A portrait of Kate sitting in the living room in front of a camera
Jane's daughter, Kate, (above) sends a special message to her mom

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.

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A group of ESR riders on the final day of ESR22. Jane is in the front row to the far left

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

Posted on 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

Caitlin stands before a crowd after ringing the Roswell Park Victory Bell. Context.

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 50th 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
Dr. Joyce Ohm, Chair of Genetics and Genomics at Roswell Park. ESR road warrior. Clarifying picture

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?

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Copyright 2023.
Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.