This year I’m playing in the 11-Day Power Play in memory of Suzanne Calfee and Andrew Bouquard.  Our family was dealt a one-two punch with the passing of these two great friends within days of each other in early March.

Suzanne, an old friend from our prior neighborhood in Florida, passed away at 51 years old from Ovarian cancer.  Suzanne was fun, friendly, and proud of her Penn State Nittany Lions.  We left a great neighborhood behind in Florida when our family moved to Buffalo.  Suzanne was one of those great friends whose smile and uplifting spirit we’ll never forget.

Andy, a 24-year cancer survivor, passed away suddenly at the age of 43 and was my son’s first hockey coach upon arriving in Buffalo.  This past year, Andy and I decided to coach our sons’ hockey team together as we grew closer as friends over the last few years.  Andy was full of hope, kindness, and love.  This was an outpouring of love that he shared with his players, parents, patients, friends, and his family.  On or off the ice, Andy was always there for us.  Always listening, always talking, always encouraging, and always finding a way to see the good in any situation.

Many tears have been shed, but it’s time to look forward and find an end to cancer.  I sincerely ask for your financial support of the 11-Day Power Play.  Together we will help fight cancer, one shift at a time.

 @11DayJay

This summer, more than 2,500 pairs of skates will hit the ice to play in the 2019 11 Day Power Play Community Shift to help in the fight against cancer! The 11-day game will be played in continuous shifts at Harborcenter in Buffalo, NY. This important event supports The 11 Day Power Play, raising critically-needed funds for cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park, Camp Good Days and Make-A-Wish WNY. While it is physically challenging to play in a marathon hockey game, it's a walk in the park compared to what most endure in their battle against cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and The 11 Day Power Play wants to make an impact in our community. In the past two years, The 11 Day Power Play has raised nearly $2.5 million supporting cancer causes in Western New York.

Donations are graciously accepted online or by check. Please write checks out to 'The 11 Day Power Play' and send to PO Box 4, Buffalo, NY 14223. If you are interested in a sponsorship, contact Sara Schumacher today.

To learn more about the 11 Day Power Play organization, visit www.11daypowerplay.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.