Daemen alum, Brian Morreale ‘20 Psychology BS / Biology Medical Humanities Philosophy minor, chair of recruitment and advocacy for the national alumni board, and current graduate student in the Cancer Science program at The Roswell Park Cancer Institute Graduate Division affiliated with the University at Buffalo, participated in the Empire State Ride (ESR), cycling over 500 miles across New York State from New York City to Niagara Falls July 27-Aug. 2.
The seven-day bike ride, which averaged 80 miles per day — with a 100 mile ride mid-week — raised over $1.9 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to support critical cancer research and clinical trials.
Cyclists began their cross-state journey from Wagner College in Staten Island, spending nights in Somers, Rhinebeck, Albany, Utica, Weedsport, and Spencerport en route to Niagara Falls. They stayed in camps set up at middle schools, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Shaker Heritage Society, Weedsport Speedway, and Ferris Goodrich American Legion.
During the week, Morreale presented an overview of his research with ESR participants. “Our work at Roswell Park focuses on mitigating immune suppression and enhancing current immunotherapies in the clinic.” Morreale’s passion for cancer research is clear. “The Empire State Ride and the unity and love that accompanied that journey across the state reminded me why I conduct cancer research,” he said. 
Candace Johnson, President & CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Daemen Board of Trustees member, addressed the ESR riders at Weedsport, thanking the “road warriors” for their dedication and for “bringing hope to cancer patients everywhere.”
Juliette Reashor, director of institutional communication at Daemen, and her sister, Janice, who is a cancer survivor, participated in their second Empire State Ride. 
More than 250 cyclists crossed the finish line in Niagara Falls at Old Falls Street, which was packed with cheering families, friends, and well-wishers celebrating the riders’ week-long milestones.
The ESR’s team of athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, and event staff — who were on-hand for the duration of the ride to support the cyclists — participated in a medical seminar at Daemen University in June led by Tony Surace, executive director, Center for Interprofessional Learning & Simulation (CILS); and Easton Osborn ‘14 Natural Science – Health Sciences, ‘17 Physical Therapy, a member of the ESR medical team; in preparation for the ride.