Jack and I were asked to skate 4 hours last year and help raise money for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the answer was an easy Yes. Unfortunately, cancer has impacted our family very closely and too many people close to us have lost this battle -- my father(Jack's Grandfatehr) this year to pancreatic cancer, my nephew and Jack’s cousin Patrick Waldron, our cousin Betsy Whistler, and my brother in law and Jack’s Uncle Dennis Szefel. Skating four straight hours is no easy task, but nothing compared to the battle cancer patients face.

We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from family, friends, co-workers and our community last year. Jack and I have accepted the challenge again this year to play 4 hours of hockey and raise money for Roswell. Thank you to everyone who supported us last year!   We will play for all those we have lost, all those who are battling and all who are surviors! We hope we can count on your support again this year.

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.