Stephanie Hanaka, Brian Morreale, Michele Fisher
Four Daemen alums participated in the Empire State Ride (ESR) July 25-August 1, cycling over 500 miles across New York State—from New York City to Niagara Falls—to raise funds for critical cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ride raised a record-breaking $2.4 million.
Brian Morreale ‘20 Psychology B.S. / Biology Medical Humanities Philosophy minor, a two-time rider, said, “My work as a cancer scientist with loved ones impacted by cancer inspired me to ride for a second time this year. It is a tremendous privilege to ride with incredible people who support the awesome work at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.”
Stephanie Hanaka, ‘20 Accounting B.S./M.S, shared a serendipitous encounter that inspired her to sign up for the ride. “Last November, I went to my indoor spinning class and grabbed one of the last bikes available. After class, the woman next to me said, ‘You are such a strong rider.’ I noticed the logo on her shirt and realized it said Empire State Ride. I told her it had always been a dream of mine to participate. As fate would have it, that woman was Maria [Coccia-Bourgeois]…That chance encounter was the beginning of an unforgettable and incredible journey.”
Linda Szal Sutton, Barry Sutton
Michele Fisher ‘98 Physician Assistant B.S., a four-time rider, was moved to support Roswell fundraisers after her best friend’s husband died at 28 from acute myelogenous leukemia. “I spent a lot of time with Dennis while he was at Roswell for treatment. Having had the perspective of research and then treatment, I felt a deep connection to Roswell…” Fisher became good friends with Dr. Julia Faller, chief medical officer of Roswell Park. “She is the person who convinced me to take on the challenge of ESR,” Fisher said. “It has become the ‘hardest ride I have ever loved.’”
Linda Szal Sutton ‘97, ‘09, Physical Therapy, M.S. Neurologic Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy DPT, and her husband, Barry Sutton, completed their fourth ride this year. “In 2023, I rode in memory of my nephew, P.J., and my Dad, Marty. Since then, our sister, Patty, passed away from glioblastoma. All three benefitted from the hope given by staff at Roswell Park,” Szal Sutton said. “To the patients, survivors, families, loved ones—you are our true heroes and inspirations. You are why we ride. You are why we will continue to ride.”
Juliette Reashor, associate vice president of marketing and communications, and her sister, Janice Ballak, a cancer survivor, participated in their third Empire State Ride.
Juliette Reashor, Janice Ballak
Candace Johnson, president & CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Daemen Board of Trustees member, spoke to riders in Weedsport, thanking them for their ongoing commitment to ESR.
Two hundred forty-five riders were greeted by cheering families, friends, and well-wishers as they crossed the finish line at Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls on August 1.
The ESR’s team of athletic trainers, students athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, physicians via telehealth, and event staff—who joined the riders for the week to provide support—participated in a medical seminar on May 2 at Daemen’s Center for Interprofessional Learning and Simulation (CILS). The seminar was led by Tony Surace, CILS executive director, and Easton Osborn ‘14 ‘17, Natural Science – Health Sciences, Physical Therapy, a member of the ESR medical team.