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Dentists Take to the Road to Raise Money for Cancer Research
Dentists Take to the Road to Raise Money for Cancer Research
Kevin Hanley and Amy Bryan choose to do their fundraising from bicycles.
For two Western New York dentists, riding a bike is more than exercise or a mode of transportation, it’s also an act of charity. Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S., of East Amherst and Amy Bryan, D.D.S., of Williamsville suited up this summer for rides to benefit cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. Dr. Hanley was recording his 12th appearance as a participant in the Ride for Roswell, held each year on a Saturday in June. Dr. Bryan was making her first appearance in the Empire State Ride, staged over eight days in July. At the end of their rides, Dr. Hanley had raised $3,185 in pledges, while Dr. Bryan and her Team Regan had collected $41,000.
The Ride for Roswell takes place over a 34-mile country route, a somewhat leisurely ride, according to Hanley, an orthodontist, who starts prepping for the event in March and considers it an important part of his summer. It enables him to raise critically needed funds for cutting-edge research and compassionate patient-care programs at Roswell Park, he said. It’s also very personal, as he dedicates his ride to friends and colleagues, those who have died from cancer and those who have survived. Sadly, he notes, the list increases each year, which shows, he said, how pervasive cancer is.
The Empire State Ride is a bit more grueling. It’s a 550-mile trek from Staten Island to Niagara Falls, challenging even for the physically fit. Dr. Bryan, who has completed 11 full marathons, multiple half marathons and triathlons and a full ironman competition, admits it was a struggle at times, as the 350-plus riders encountered hills, heat, rainstorms and strong headwinds during their days on the road. “The miracle of this event is that we raised over $2 million to donate to Roswell Park.” It was also life-altering for the oral surgeon:
“I felt this entire journey was life changing in that the people I rode with were so kind and inspirational. Doing this ride was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, and I plan on repeating it again in July 2024!”
