AMHERST, N.Y. — Terry Bourgeois has been volunteering with the Ride for Roswell for 23 years. It raises funds for research and patient-care programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. On Saturday morning, riders were starting from multiple locations.

"One of the big things that the funds from the Ride for Roswell go to is clinical trials and clinical trials are not covered by insurance," Bourgeois said. "Right now, we have people lined up and praying for clinical trials and without funds from events like the Ride for Roswell, they wouldn’t be able to get into those clinical trials."

“We have University at Buffalo, NCCC, the Outer Harbor and Grand Island all launching riders at the same time, so we’re going out in groups of about 150 each,” Bourgeois explained.

For many riders, this event has significant meaning.

"I’m here for a couple of people, one is my grandmother," said rider David Kozlowski. "She actually had stomach cancer. And also myself."

He was diagnosed with cancer just this year.

"It’s a struggle, but you know what, I’m taking it one day at a time," Kozlowski added. "I’m very happy that we have an institute here in Buffalo, instead of going to Cleveland or somewhere else. Something that can actually help myself and other cancer survivors."

Though the journey has been a struggle, Kozlowski has advice for others who are also fighting cancer.

"Keep your head up and just keep moving forward," he said.

According to volunteers, as of Saturday morning, $4.8 million had been raised.