Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride

Posted on March 1, 2023March 1, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride.

Few moments in life mirror the vulnerability of those spent at a chemo infusion center.

That’s where Lindsey Gold works as a registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. She’s the person who administers chemo, immunotherapies and other medical necessities for outpatient cancer patients.

With each visit, Lindsey brings her expertise, knowledge and compassion. But, she also brings deep understanding – because she’s been the patient in this scenario, too.

At 24 years old, Lindsey was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her cancer journey included chemotherapy and radiation. After eight months of treatment, she was cancer free.

“It’s sometimes hard not to wonder how I was lucky enough to go into remission. I have struggled with survivors’ guilt in the past. Especially with many close family members and friends who have battled cancer or lost their lives to this awful disease,” Lindsey explained.

Joining the fight to end cancer.

Channeling her gratitude into a movement, Lindsey started riding in Ride for Roswell in 2008.

“I felt I truly owed my life to Roswell. I wanted to do anything I could to repay them for my second chance at life.”

Lindsey also rides in memory of loved ones who passed away due to cancer, including her grandmother, father and uncle.

“My beautiful Grandma Pat who dedicated her life to helping others, also battled breast cancer. She was taken from us at only 60. She was a youth counselor for the Town of Tonawanda School System. When she passed, a young adult came up to me and asked if I was her granddaughter and proceeded to tell me, “Your grandmother saved my life.” Words I will never forget! That made me so proud of the person she was, and that will always inspire me in me my nursing practice with my patients.”

“My dad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 60 years old. Upon diagnosis he was immediately admitted to Roswell Park. He spent most of the next four months inpatient at Roswell. He passed away early on the morning of Ride for Roswell that year. Our hearts broke. We were given very little time to fully wrap our heads around losing him so quickly, and unfortunately never getting a real chance to say goodbye. He was a wonderful man, with the biggest heart. To know him truly was to love him.”

“Shortly after I was diagnosed, my Uncle Mark confided in me that he was battling esophageal cancer, and that he was given a short amount of time left to live. He was my closest uncle, and an unbelievable local musician and artist. He taught me his love for The Beatles, and how to be comfortable in my own skin. It still breaks my heart to know that I was somehow able to come out on the other side alive, while he was preparing to lose his life to cancer at the exact same time.”

Lindsey’s impact.

When Lindsey committed to Ride for Roswell nearly 15 years ago, she started a ripple effect. The weekend event has grown into an annual family tradition of making a difference in the future of cancer research.

“Every year my sister even flies in from California to ride by our side.”

Lindsey says over the last several years, she personally has raised more than $38,000 dollars. Her team, as a whole, has raised more than $124,000.

It’s the mission that keeps her coming back every Ride Season. She explained, “We Ride to fund new treatments for these patients to be given hope for a cure and a future without cancer.”

Message to other Roswell Park employees.

Lindsey’s main piece of advice to other Roswell Park employees considering getting involved in Ride for Roswell is to attend the Celebration of Hope the night before the Ride.

“Hear the patients’ stories, where the funds go, feel the passion and the emotion in the air that night. It is one of my favorite things about the Ride. It always is a firm reminder of exactly Why I Ride.”

She swears after one Ride Weekend, you’ll become a “lifer” like her – and love every second of it!

Keeping up the momentum.

When Lindsey was diagnosed with cancer, she never could’ve imagined the impact she would have in the lives of others dealt the same card.

As a nurse at Roswell Park, she sees why the Ride matters every day – and she knows there is still work to be done.

“I think of my patients who tell me their stories every day at work – how some of them are completely out of options.” She added, “The Ride helps to give you some power against cancer. I’m so grateful I am able to participate and pay my dues back to Roswell, ride my heart out for my family and friends this disease has taken from me, and to cry some tears that day knowing we are riding toward a future where cancer no longer exists.”

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

Time means different things to different people. For Kathy Caruso of Humphrey, N.Y., time is a gift.

In life, the unexpected can happen; the challenges that remind us we don’t have control over how much time we get. But, it’s how we choose to spend that time, that makes the journey real, authentic and human.

As Kathy remembers her late husband Phil Stock, you can tell by her contagious smile, that the couple made every second count, even when their time was cut short.

“Cancer was with us all of our married life, but it never stopped us from living and loving and doing the things that we always wanted to do,” Kathy explained.

The beginning.

In 2003, Kathy and Phil became husband and wife.

“We just got married and we had all the hope and the
wonder.”

However, four months into their new chapter, Phil was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, one of the fastest growing and most aggressive cancers. The two had to pivot from planning for the future, to navigating a life-altering disease.

“It was devastating because it was a grim diagnosis. He just had the wind knocked out of his sails. He fainted in the office.”

Once they had the results, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center had a plan for Phil to begin treatment for the following Monday.

“That’s how quick it was,” Kathy emphasized.

Phil underwent enhanced radiation and chemotherapy and, while intense, Kathy praised the precision of the treatment.

“It was the therapy he needed. It was the treatment he needed. It was guided by the hands of the oncologist, the radiologist. I can’t say enough about those people. They saved his life.”

Three years after that initial diagnosis, Phil was recovering – both in health and spirit, and he was incredibly grateful.

Kathy added, “It was a miracle delivered through Roswell.”

Getting involved.

Kathy describes their role in Ride for Roswell as “gratitude in action.”

After Phil’s clean bill of health, in 2007 he bought a bike and decided to get involved. For Kathy and Phil, fundraising and riding in Ride for Roswell was their way of giving back.

“My gosh, that man rode that bike till the end of days and always in Ride for Roswell. That was his go-to.”

But in 2010, the couple got hit with another shock. Phil’s second cancer diagnosis. This time, it was stage IV colon cancer.

The last lap.

With Phil’s new diagnosis, Kathy said, once again, the staff at Roswell Park got right into action. It wasn’t until five years later that Phil had exhausted all treatment options, and turned to palliative care.

“Through palliative care, we got two more years, and that was a gift of time to do things we had wanted to do, to finish things up that we hadn’t done.”

Kathy explained the team at Roswell Park also helped Phil to say goodbye to friends and family and to hope in a different way. She added, “The doctors and the nurses were incredible and just so special.”

The summer leading up to his death, he visited with people in a gazebo he had previously built in their backyard. Even during the hardest times, his spirit and zest for life never faded.

“He was so grateful for every minute, for every day, for every year, for every time we walked out of Roswell Park and we got the go to live. Man, he just embraced it all,” said Kathy. “We had 15 years together and every minute of it is a gift.”

Kathy remembered one of the last conversations she had with her husband, in which he expressed he wished they had their own team at Ride for Roswell. Imagine the impact they could’ve made!

He died just days before the Ride in 2017, but in his honor, Kathy started a team the next year.

Team ‘Otterly’ Phil.

On the team page description, Kathy explained the meaning behind the name Team ‘Otterly’ Phil. She wrote in part:

“Phil and I once pondered what animal we would like to be. He chose the otter. He chose well. Otters are engaging creatures overflowing with positive energy. Intelligent and bright, they are also popular, eminently lovable and love the water! Otters mix easily with a wide range of animal personalities. Doesn’t that describe him to a tee?”

While the team started because of Phil, it has grown into something much bigger. After all, even during his life, Phil aimed to put others in the spotlight. Kathy believes that’s what made him such a wonderful teacher and human being.

“We ride under his name, because it’s what he wanted, but we ride for so many others,” said Kathy.

Making an impact.

Each of us has the power to make a difference, whether you ride, donate, volunteer or help spread the word. Kathy said her team’s philosophy is, “A penny or a pound, it’s all forward motion.”

When asked to describe Ride Weekend, Kathy said the experience, above all else, is hopeful.

Hopeful to end cancer. Hopeful for time.

“I know that there are many, many people in the world who are struggling with what he went through and I just pray to God that they have some part of the spirit that Phil had, and if I could do anything to help that go forward, that’s what I’d like to do. That’s why we ride.”

Finding the route for you

Posted on February 10, 2023February 17, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Finding the route for you.

So, you want to participate in Ride for Roswell, but aren’t sure which route to choose. No problem!

The mission to end cancer inspires people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities – and we want to make sure anyone who wants to ride, has an opportunity to.

With nine routes to choose from ranging from five to 100 miles, there is a perfect Ride Day route for everyone! Whether you’re an endurance cyclist or a casual rider, you can ride at your own pace.

All the routes, with the exception of Canada, start and end at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. Additionally, participants ages 1-17 must ride with riders over 18 years old.

Here’s a brief description of each route to help you select the best option for you.

5-mile River Route:

This recreational loop on the UB and Amherst bike paths runs along Ellicott Creek and through the woods, with no car traffic to worry about. There’s a rest stop at the halfway point to relax and regroup. This is great for casual riders but we don’t recommend children with training wheels take on this route. The start times are 10 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. View the route map here.

10-mile River Route:

Journey through paved roads, bike paths and parks. Enjoy the cool breeze off the river as you ride from UB to Ellicott Creek. On this route, there is one rest stop. The start times are 9 a.m., 9:20 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. View the route map here.

20-mile River Route:

Follow Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River to beautiful Niawanda Park, then back through the City of Tonawanda. You’ll see the Niagara River at one of its widest points while you ride flat roads and bike paths on the bed of the original Erie Canal. There are two rest stops on this route. The start times are 8 a.m., 8:20 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. View the route map here.

30-mile River Route:

Ride along roads and bike paths beside Ellicott Creek and the Niagara River through Niawanda Park and Isle View Park. Return on the Two Mile Creek bike path through the City and Town of Tonawanda, then through Ellicott Creek Park back to UB North. There are three rest stops on this route. The start times are 7:20 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. View the route map here.

34-mile Country Route:

On this route you will tour through historic Clarence Center and the farmlands of Newstead before heading back to UB North along tree-canopied roads in rural Erie County. There are four rest stops. The start time is 7 a.m. View the route map here.

44-mile Canada Route:

The Canada Route is back for the first time since 2019! Unlike the other routes, this one starts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and finishes at UB. Riders will travel along the Niagara Parkway with special lanes across both the Peace Bridge and the Rainbow International Bridge. Enjoy a river view from start to finish. There are four rest stops. The start times are 6:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. View the route map here.

45-mile Country Route:

In this adventure, you’ll ride through Clarence, Newstead, and Akron for a tour of the rolling hills of the beautiful Western New York countryside. There are five rest stops. The start time is 6:40 a.m. View the route map here.

65-mile Country Route:

You’ll travel all the way out to Akron and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and back again. The rolling hills of the Western New York countryside make this a great route for any cycling enthusiast. There are six rest stops. The start time is 6:20 a.m. View the route map here.

100-mile Country Route:

Go for the extra miles and hills with this 100-mile Country Route! You’ll head east through the rolling hills and farmlands of Genesee County in a scenic loop toward Batavia. Rejoin the other country routes at Akron and enjoy the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. To participate in this ride, you must be able to complete 100 miles by 2:30 p.m. There are seven rest stops. The start time is 6 a.m. View the route map here.

See all available routes.

See avalable routes.

Ride Your Own Way.

If you’re unable to participate in Ride Day but still want to be a part of the movement – here is your solution! Ride Your Own Way throughout the summer.

Through Ride Your Own Way, you are in control of your Ride experience. You choose the date, distance, route and location. With this option, your Ride can even be on a stationary bike if that’s what you prefer!

Click here to learn more about how to get started and even check out some suggested places to Ride.

No matter how you Ride, you are helping us in our mission to end cancer.

Register today.

Get inspired.

Register today.

Get inspired.

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause

Posted on January 31, 2023February 3, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause.

Gabrielle Acosta has experienced Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through two different lenses: as an employee, working as an ICU nurse, and as the granddaughter of a patient.

Phil Pecoraro, Gabrielle’s “papa,” as she calls him, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2013, years before she started working at Roswell Park.

Initially, Phil was being treated at an outside facility, but then the family turned to Roswell Park.

“Everything was totally different. Roswell has completely, completely changed my grandpa’s life, and my family’s life,” said Gabrielle.

Team Papa’s Meatballs.

Turning their gratitude into action, Gabrielle and her family got involved with Ride for Roswell. She explained, “We started our team, which is called Team Papa’s Meatballs in honor of my papa.”

Gabrielle laughed when explaining the meaning behind the name. She said not only was Phil ‘famous’ for making meatballs, but he also endearingly referred to his grandchildren as meatballs.

“You know, big Italian family,” Gabrielle said with a smile.

While Phil never rode in the event, Gabrielle says he loved being a part of the Ride Weekend environment. “It was like the like a big party for him,” she added.

Phil passed away in August of 2021, and in lieu of flowers, his family asked that memorials be made to Roswell Park instead.

Even after Phil’s passing, Team Papa’s Meatballs is still as active as ever, raising critical funds for cancer research in his honor. Gabrielle knows the continuation of the team would make her papa proud.

“He was Roswell’s biggest cheerleader. He loved that place, and he was such an advocate.”

A message to other Roswell Park employees.

Employees who get involved in the Ride are a part of what we call Team Roswell, and they play a key role in the event’s success.

To her colleagues who are considering registering, Gabrielle says, “Don’t hesitate. Definitely sign up!”

She added that even if you’re not a cyclist, there’s no reason to be nervous, as there are people of all ages and skill levels. With nine different routes to choose from, ranging from five to 100 miles, there is a path for everyone.

And for employees who may not have experience with fundraising, you are not alone!

“Social media makes it so easy now, even if you just share a link to your fundraising page and post about what you’re doing, that’s a great start,” said Gabrielle.

Her favorite aspect of the weekend is the Celebration of Hope. “It makes me cry every year,” she added. It’s something so impactful she encourages all Roswell Park employees to experience it.

The big picture.

Since Gabrielle works on the frontlines of cancer care, she sees the dollars from Ride for Roswell at work every day.

“Since I have started at Roswell, there have been so many new cancer treatments and that is all because of fundraising and research.”

As she prepares for another Ride Season, she remembers why she joined the movement in the first place.

“Roswell Park gave us seven extra years with my grandfather, and we do the Ride so that our patients and other people can get more years with their families too.”

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

Posted on January 20, 2023January 25, 2023 by Jackie Roberts McDonough

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

On June 24, the Ride Community is coming together again for a common mission: to end cancer.

The 2023 Ride is the same incredible event, but with new opportunities and enhancements for you to enjoy.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

The return of the Canada Route.

The Canada Route is back for the first time since 2019! Riders will travel 44 miles along the Niagara Parkway with special lanes across both the Peace Bridge and the Rainbow International Bridge. Enjoy a river view from start to finish. For this experience, there is a $750 fundraising minimum.

This was one of the community’s favorite routes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are so excited to open it up to riders again.

Learn more about the Canada Route here.

We're moving across campus at UB!

Ride for Roswell has grown tremendously over the years, thanks to dedicated riders and community partners! To ensure the Ride experience is as positive and meaningful as possible, we are moving into a larger space on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus, and we will be utilizing the area at the intersection of White Road and Hamilton Road. The new layout will allow more room for participants to enjoy their Ride while taking in the experiences throughout the day.

You’ll see some changes to parking, check-in, the start and finish lines and Celebration of Hope. The new space on campus means a better start and finish line experience, team tent village close to the action, new vendors and interactive activities with plenty of room for expansion in years to come.

Signage and guest services will help you navigate campus upon arrival.

Earn new fundraising rewards!

For the 2023 Ride for Roswell, we’re introducing new rewards for your fundraising milestones!

When you raise $750, you can earn this Ride for Roswell camping chair.

Kickstart your fundraising with a self-donation and we’ll send you an exclusive post-it note pack.

Elevation of EMC.

Extra Mile Club (EMC) members go above and beyond to bring hope to patients at Roswell Park. Last year, EMC members accounted for 75% of total funds raised. That’s amazing!

We are excited to announce we have elevated the fundraising minimum for EMC to $1,500. EMC Silver will remain at $2,500. This change will lead to an even greater impact in fueling life-changing cancer research and patient care programs. We know that the Ride Community is up for the challenge and we’re here to help!

Riders who raise more than $2,500 will have access to the EMC Silver tent, along with one guest.

Learn more about why you should become an EMC member here.

Every year we aim to enhance the rider experience with new rewards and experiences, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of the Ride this season!

Meet Alissa Vogelsang: Buffalonian, yogi and cancer thriver

Posted on June 23, 2022June 23, 2022 by j.schifferle

Meet Alissa Vogelsang: Buffalonian, yogi and cancer thriver

Several days a week, Alissa Vogelsang unrolls her yoga mat, bows her head and flows through a series of poses that challenge her physically and mentally. The practice has become spiritual in nature, serving to ground and center her as she moves through her day. She belongs to Space on Seneca, a yoga studio that’s owned by her best friend Colleen. Ever since Alissa’s move back to Buffalo a year ago, she has become ingrained in the community and looks forward to her practice.

Along with family and friends, the Space on Seneca community will join Alissa at the start line of the 2022 Ride for Roswell. As they ride, they will be honoring Alissa and her battle with metastatic cancer.

Alissa’s Cancer Journey

Alissa was just two weeks shy of her 30^th birthday when she received the news. She lived in New York City at the time and discovered a lump she assumed was a cyst. A trip to the doctor confirmed her worst fears: She had breast cancer.

“Nobody could ever prepare you for hearing those words: You have cancer. It feels like having the wind knocked out of you,” she says. “Imagine your worst fear come to life. Cancer didn’t care that I was only 29 years old. Cancer didn’t care that I was in great shape. It didn’t care what my marital status was or what my career path looked like. It didn’t care if I had time for cancer or if I was terrified of having it. Cancer doesn’t care. It just comes in and starts taking over.”

After being diagnosed, Alissa went through a series of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. She was in active treatment for almost a year before finally moving into remission. When she heard the good news, she exhaled, not knowing she’d been holding her breath since the beginning. From there, she resolved to get back to everyday life.

Fast forward three years. Alissa had just gotten back from a three-day yoga festival and felt a pain in her shoulder. She chalked it up to doing one too many chaturangas during her yoga practice and went to see an orthopedist. Concerned about the cancer returning to her breasts, she had been diligent about getting her MRIs and mammograms — but she had never thought about the rest of her body. As it turned out, she hadn’t pulled a muscle. The cancer was back, and it had metastasized.

The Road to Roswell Park

Alissa began treatment for stage 4 cancer in NYC, but shortly after came the added stress of a global pandemic. Seeking a stronger community of family and friends, Alissa and her partner Brett made the decision to move back home to Buffalo, and Alissa moved her cancer treatment to Roswell Park, a center renowned for cancer care and research. Her first round with cancer made her familiar with hospitals, blood draws, testing and lingo, but this time was different. With it came new fears about her prognosis and quality of life. Some big questions weighed on her mind: Am I going to die? How soon am I going to die? What will my life look like now?

That’s where Roswell Park stepped in. The staff made her feel welcome and gave her confidence in her ability to fight back against the disease. They provided her with tools to keep moving forward and have taken care of her when it matters most.

“Roswell Park is supporting me in my fight against cancer, but more importantly, they’re allowing me to truly live my life. It’s not just about tackling the cancer and the diagnosis. It’s about ensuring that I get to still live my life the way I want to, as best as I can, despite the cancer,” she says.

Making the Most of Every Moment

Living life is exactly what Alissa is doing. She continues treatments while leaning in to the things and people she loves most: her partner Brett, her fur baby Max, her family, friends and fitness. She’s more dedicated than ever to her yoga practice, carving out 60 or 75 minutes at a time to meditate as she moves through her flow. This has become an important part of her cancer journey, allowing her to tune in to her body and recognize when something doesn’t feel right.

Beyond that, Alissa’s committed to giving back to Roswell Park and helping others who are living with cancer. That’s why she decided to do the Ride for Roswell with the support and dedication of her yoga studio and loved ones.

“I feel very confident that a big part of why I’m here today and able to do these things and thrive is due to science and the advancements in cancer research. That’s a big part of what makes me so excited to participate in the Ride for Roswell. It’s helping create awareness and funding for science and research,” she says.

Ride Day Game Plan

On Ride Day, she’ll be surrounded by her partner, her brother (who’s flying in to ride with her), parents, best friend and fellow yogis. Her entire support system continues to rally behind her, including everyone who has donated to her Ride fundraiser. She will be riding in the Peloton for the Celebration of Hope and recently hit her goal of raising $10,000.

“I think the most exciting thing is to be surrounded by our community — our smaller community that includes our team and the larger Buffalo community. The number of people who do the Ride for us is so impressive, and it’s amazing to see people united for such a great cause: putting an end to cancer. To come together for something that is personally so important to me and celebrate it with so many loved ones is very, very meaningful.”

Look for Alissa and Team Space on Seneca this weekend!

Search Ride for Roswell

Lindsey Gold, cancer survivor and registered nurse: Why I Ride.

Joining the fight to end cancer.

Lindsey’s impact.

Message to other Roswell Park employees.

Keeping up the momentum.

Gratitude in action: Kathy Caruso shares the story of hope behind Team ‘Otterly’ Phil

The beginning.

Getting involved.

The last lap.

Team ‘Otterly’ Phil.

Making an impact.

Finding the route for you.

5-mile River Route:

10-mile River Route:

20-mile River Route:

30-mile River Route:

34-mile Country Route:

44-mile Canada Route:

45-mile Country Route:

65-mile Country Route:

100-mile Country Route:

Ride Your Own Way.

Roswell Park ICU nurse Gabrielle Acosta shares her personal connection to the cause.

Team Papa’s Meatballs.

A message to other Roswell Park employees.

The big picture.

New to the 2023 Ride for Roswell!

The return of the Canada Route.

We're moving across campus at UB!

Earn new fundraising rewards!

Elevation of EMC.

Meet Alissa Vogelsang: Buffalonian, yogi and cancer thriver

Alissa’s Cancer Journey

The Road to Roswell Park

Making the Most of Every Moment

Ride Day Game Plan

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Copyright 2023.

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