To help relieve pain and stabilize spinal fractures, Roswell Park first began offering patients a technique known as vertebral augmentation, specifically kyphoplasty, in 2001. “We were the first clinic in Western New York to offer vertebral augmentation for cancer patients, and our experience makes a difference,” Dr. Alberico notes.

Most cancer survivors will tell you they have two extremely vivid memories: the moment they received their diagnosis and the moment they finally finished treatment. However, in between, and for people who may never finish treatment, there are many types of victories worth celebrating.

He won’t admit it, but Philip McCarthy, MD, is in the business of saving lives. He gives his patients hope; he gives families hope. He’s a world-renowned physician who has dedicated his career, his passion and his life to providing advanced stem cell transplants to hematological cancer patients.

As a Stage IV oral cancer survivor, I am very passionate about spreading awareness. Oral, head and neck cancers are profoundly different than other cancers in that they limit one’s ability to swallow, eat and talk.

This year the event is even more personal. "The sense of community and compassion that Roswell Park provided me during these unforeseen hardships is why I ride."

Like all the posts I’ve written for the Cancer Talk blog, this post starts with my name, and then three important words: Ovarian Cancer Survivor. What makes me a survivor?