In August 2008, my dad, Doug, was diagnosed with a rare form of Neuroendocrine cancer called Carcinoid, which had spread to his liver. Carcinoid Cancer often goes undetected as its symptoms imitate other intestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s Disease; currently no cure exists for Carcinoid Cancer.  

Doug has been fighting this disease for almost 10 years with regiment of treatment every month, blood tests every 3 and scans every 6 months with tremendous faith and strength of character admired by all his friends and family.  As recent as May of this year, the disease had gone undetected into his bones… requiring immediate spinal surgery to remove a tumor that obliterated T3 and had spread to the ribs, sternum, and portion of the skull. Radiation Therapy followed and 2nd opinion was sought out at the prestigious OSU James Cancer Research Center in Columbus. Great strides continually occur within the medical community and a recent FDA approved scan (June 2016) that picks up what normal protocol has missed was made available. Called a Gallium PET/CT, it has been showing very promising results in detecting the activity and spread of this disease. But, as Doug noted…….”if ya wanna know, you better be willing to bear the news.”

As of August the disease has spread throughout his body and after consulting with a great medical staff at BMG, Immunotherapy will be the next treatment plan. What is occurring is that the cancer is hiding within his immune system, so a “reboot” of his immune system is required to help his body point out what does not belong. The results on small cell carcinoma have been favorable and this is optimistic that it can and will assist with the longevity until that healing becomes available!!!
 

This summer, more than 1,700 pairs of skates will hit the ice to play in the 2018 11 Day Power Play Community Shift to help in the fight against cancer! The 11-day game will be played in continuous, four-hour shifts at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. Each shift will feature two new teams. The purpose of this important event is to raise critically-needed funds for important local cancer causes, including: cutting-edge cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; supporting programs that improve quality of life for children, adults and families affected by cancer through Camp Good Days; and, granting wishes and amazing experiences to kids with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, by Make-A-Wish Western New York. Although it may be physically challenging for our players to play four continuous hours of hockey, it will be a walk in the park compared to what some people have to endure in their battle against cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and The 11 Day Power Play wants to make a difference, a big difference. You can help make a big difference by supporting our players' efforts in The 11 Day Power Play Community Shift.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we also offer various corporate sponsorships, providing value greatly in excess of the financial contribution. Please contact Sara Schumacher at sara@11daypowerplay.com or 716-830-3805 for more information. Team sponsorships start at $1,100 and are first come, first serve. 

Proceeds of the 11 Day Power Play Community Shift will benefit our local families while supporting cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park, Make-A-Wish WNY and Camp Good Days.

Donations are graciously accepted either online or by check. Please write checks out to 'The 11 Day Power Play' and send to PO Box 4 Buffalo NY 14223.

Find out more about this event, or the 2017 World’s Longest Hockey Game, at www.11daypowerplay.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.