This is so much more than just a bike ride. I am participating in a 500+ mile adventure across New York State to fight cancer. 

 

Last year, with your generous support, I was able to raise more than $17,000 in the fight against cancer. This year my all-time fundraising for Roswell will surpass $200,000.

 
I am a thirty-one year survivor of oral cancer. The five surgeries and seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy that I have had over the years have given me a very personal view of this disease. I am a very fortunate individual to have received treatment at Roswell, and to be a cancer survivor.

 

This year I am riding in honor of one individual, and in memory of another.

 

I am riding in honor of Jacob Altmire, who is a third-year dental student at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Jacob is a truly amazing individual. He recently received a melanoma diagnosis (Jacob has given me his permission to share this). Many dental students have heard me say that dental school is hard enough all on its own, because it is. Jacob has not allowed this diagnosis to interefere with his ability to continue to perform at a very high level in a very demanding curriculum. He has my utmost admiration. Oh, and did I mention that he is riding with us in this year's Empire State Ride? Truly remarkable!

 

 I am also riding in memory of Kathleen Wieczkowski. Kathleen passed away at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in February of this year, after a brave six-month battle with MDS/AML. She was one of the most selfless people I have had the privilege to know. She was a fifty-year member of the Marillac Guild, a volunteer group that runs the gift shop at Sisters of Charity Hospital. Also, Kathleen organized the purchase and distribution of all the Christmas gifts for each patient at Sisters of Charity Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. She made this world a better place.

 

Everyone knows someone whose life has been effected by cancer, and this is my opportunity to change the state of cancer research for good. Together, we can fuel groundbreaking discoveries, find cancer cures and save lives.

 

Please consider making a donation today. No donation is too small, and every dollar adds up to something greater than any one of us could accomplish alone.