Dear Friends and Heroes,

I am raising money to combat cancer (and to support those afflicted by it) and I’m writing to ask for your help. I'm doing the fundraising by playing in an 11-day continuous hockey game taking place this July at the Harbor Center Arena in Buffalo, New York. I will also be volunteering throughout the event.   In the last 2 years, this event, known officially as the “11-Day Power Play,” has raised over $2.5 million in support of cancer research.

Think for a minute, the chances are high (too high) that, as you read this, you think of someone, or more than one person, close to you that has been afflicted with this terrible disease. My mother died of pancreatic cancer within 58 days of diagnosis, her mother died of breast cancer, my aunt died at an early 74 leaving 11 grandchildren, my cousin died after a nine-year battle with colon cancer leaving two sons and a husband, my work colleague died after a 5-year struggle with prostate cancer, and regrettably I can list others.  Thankfully there are successes and we are thankful to have family and close friends who are brave survivors of this terrible disease.

Cancer attacks close to one-third of all people in the US. This year,

• An estimated 15,590 children and adolescents, ages months old to 19, will be diagnosed with cancer,
• An estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and
• An estimated 609,640 people will succumb to the disease.

Be a HERO! and please consider making a donation.  Your donation will fund:

• Cutting-edge cancer research and wellness programs at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center,
• Support programs that improve quality of life for children, adults and families affected by cancer through Camp Good Days,
• Grant wishes and amazing experiences to kids with cancer through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,  

Similar to the defeat of Smallpox, Mumps, Polio, and Rubella, scientific research is leading to cures and prevention never thought possible only a few years ago. One example is that today 84% of children survive five or more years after a cancer diagnosis, up from previously what was only 58%.  

No donation is too small!

• For a week or two, skip Starbucks, bring your lunch to work, or set aside a dollar to donate for every dollar you spend on yourself. 
• Think of those you know that have been impacted by cancer and offer a donation in honor of each person – smile each time you think about them knowing you have done something significant to help. 
• Donate $25, $50, $100, $500 … you decide what is appropriate for you.

As my way of saying “THANK YOU!” …

• For every $100 donation,
  • I will send you an 11 Day Power Play hat (https://shop.11daypowerplay.com/collections/hats )

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• For every donation over $250,
  • I will send you an 11 Day Power Play Hoodie or similar, signed by all the players on my team  (https://shop.11daypowerplay.com/collections/men ; https://shop.11daypowerplay.com/collections/women )

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• For every donation over $500,
  • I will send you any item of your choice at: https://shop.11daypowerplay.com/)  

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• For ALL donations of ANY value,
  • the name of the person or people you want to honor will be listed on the 11-Day Power Play website and their names will be on my jersey during the game.  Important:  On the donation page, under "Donation Message" please list the name(s) of the person or people that you are honoring.

With sincere appreciation,

Mike

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.