A little over 4 years ago we received a call from our son who was away at college in Cleveland. He was in a bit of a panic as he told us a professor, not liking the way he looked, had taken him to the emergency room. X-Rays revealed a mass on his chest and they told him he may have Lymphoma. Within in an hour we were on our way to Cleveland and our nightmare was underway. His diagnosis was confirmed the next day and seven months later we lost Patrick. I will never get that awful Monday morning out my consciousness. We exist in a world that no parent should ever have to experience.

Our daughter is a Hematology Oncology pharmacist. As irony would have it, she works on the floor that Patrick was admitted to and with the team that worked to save his life. She keeps us aware of the progress being made every day, the new drugs, and treatment protocols, but she also shares the experience of patients and their families who are still fighting. Patients and families who need our support to conquer this disease. If the money we raise prevents even one family from living our nightmare then four hours of ice time will have been a miniscule price to pay. I will be 63 when we take the ice on July 8th. Hockey was something Patrick and I shared. I’m certain he will be with us in some small way. PatStrong- Let it Be.

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.