My story begins 22 years ago when everything happened so quickly with a trip to the emergency room and the ICU with a double pneumothorax of mu lungs; a para cardio heart window, the diagnosis of latestage immunoblastic large B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a 15 hour radical sternectomy  surgery to particially remove a very large tumor in my chest cavity. Next, I recieved  multiple failed courses of chemotherapy, ultimately my prognosis was grim. At this point, my oncologists at Mercy hospital collaborated with his collegues at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and recommended a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) as the next step, “I really didn’t have time to think about it,” I was just 19 years old at the time, unaware that the transplant would change my life in more ways than I could imagine. Next, I chose to enroll in a clinical research study (clinical trial) of a new and promising pre-transplant treatment that was being evaluated in patients for the first time. First I received a combination of high-dose chemotherapy and full-body radiation therapy, followed by infusions of both marrow and stem cells.

Over the past last 22 years, I have personally and professionally witnessed the direct impact and vital importance of scientific cancer research in the labs and clinical research at the bedside. Today, I am Senior Research Specialist at Roswell Park, helping ensure the safety of patients who are enrolled in clinical studies. Also, I have dedicated my life to help patients and families overcome the trial and tribulations of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. My life continues to be impacted by the effects of my cancer and treatment, and I truly benefit from the continuing follow-up care and support resources Roswell Park Cancer Center provides to me. 

This event will help raise critical funding for programs at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Camp Good Days, and Make a Wish. Being a firsthand witness of all three of these organizations, I am confident to say that these programs significantly and directly impact local patients and families, improving both quality of care and, more importantly, quality of life.

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.