The annual Ride for Roswell held Saturday across Western New York was a huge success for cancer research.
The fundraising event collected $3.7 million. That surpassed the previous Ride record of $3.2 million raised in 2011.
More than 10,000 supporters of The Ride For Roswell, including riders, volunteers, patients and survivors, closed out the 17th annual fundraiser to benefit lifesaving cancer research studies and 30 patient care programs.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute said the fundraiser also brings Roswell “a significant step closer” to fully funding a new building that will house a new breast center and chemotherapy clinic.
The Ride for Roswell started at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus on Friday and Saturday.
“Now in its 17th year, The Ride For Roswell has become one of Upstate New York’s premier cycling events thanks to our thousands of committed volunteers and hardworking staff who are tightly united in one mission: To raise awareness and critically needed funds for Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s life-saving research and patient care programs,” said Roswell Park President & CEO Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP. “Supporting our dream of a world without cancer requires a huge investment and, more and more, we turn to our community and events like The Ride for Roswell to raise the funds we need to move us closer to that dream.”
More than 8,000 cyclists took part in one of ten routes, ranging from 3 miles to 104 miles in length. Riders traveled from across Western New York and from as far away as South Korea to take part.
New this year, a Ride Opening Ceremony was held the evening before The Ride to honor and celebrate cancer patients, survivors and those who have lost a battle with cancer