Last year, several of my friends participated in the 11 Day Power Play. They raised over $1,200,000 for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and set the Guinness Book of World Records mark for the longest continuously played ice hockey game. This year, the 11 Day Power Play is expanding the scope of the project by inviting numerous teams to each participate in a four-hour game. I have committed to playing with The Iron League Iceholes from 10 PM - 2 AM on July 6-7 (come watch us!).

Each participating player is asked to raise $300, but it is my sincere hope that I can eclipse $1,000 through the generosity of my friends. Playing hockey for four hours straight will not be easy at my age, but I also know that this endeavor pales in comparison to what thousands of people endure every day during their fight with cancer. I hope that you will consider making a donation and help RCPI to find a cure for this devastating disease.

I am dedicating my skate to my father-in-law, Tom Tripp; to Ken Thurlow and Dick Ingersoll, all prostate cancer survivors, who continue to fight the good fight. To Joanne Usatch and Sharon Goldhawk, who are valiantly battling breast cancer. And especially to Kim Maria, and my beloved cousin Romaine Swiderski Rea, who showed me what true bravery and grace under pressure look like, yet were, alas, taken from us all too soon.

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.