I rode this year from Wellesley to Bourne (164 miles!) I rode in memory of my dad, Ralph Bernacki, who was retired research scientist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute who died in October 2018 at age 72. I had the privilege of caring for him at home while suffering from complications related to mesothelioma.

Born in Buffalo, my dad attended St. Luke’s parochial school on the east side, St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute and then Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. After earning a PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Rochester, he had a successful 40-year research career at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and was a research professor at SUNY Buffalo. His laboratory research program focused on development of new chemotherapeutic agents. He authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including in Science and Nature.

My dad served on National Cancer Institute grant review committees; as a consultant to pharmaceutical firms in the US, Europe, and Asia; and held several patents. His true love however, was his students, serving as the Director of Graduate Program and Cancer Therapeutics, mentoring over twenty students earning their PhD, Masters or post-doctoral positions. Dr. Bernacki’s influence and teaching extended far beyond Western New York, with his students dispersing all over the world. A recurring theme from his students was “Ralph, while working hard, you also taught us to have fun along the way.”

My dad had many hobbies, the foremost being gardening, producing an abundance of tomatoes, raspberries, cucumbers, zucchinis and countless others. He was a great handyman and was always someone you could call about a home repair. He also enjoyed traveling, downhill and cross country skiing, camping, amateur photography and sailing. He and my mom, Celeste, had sailboats in the Small Boat Harbor, Erie Basin Marina and were members of the Niagara on the Lake Sailing Club during their retirement. His easygoing and generous nature as well as his sense of humor are deeply missed.

I am a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

All of my funds raised will be used to support improvements in care of older adults as well as reseach palliative care/geriatric initiatives. Examples include sending students, residents or research assistants to conferences, and paying for communication skills trainings. Your support is invaluable!