Hey everyone! So cancer is the worst, right? Right.

I've been asked and agreed to take part in this year's 11 Day Power Play, an eleven day long continuous game of hockey at Buffalo's HarborCenter from July 5th-15th. Each group is responsible for a four-hour long shift, and I'm scheduled for Wednesday, July 11th from 10pm-2am. The purpose is to raise money from some of the wonderful organizations in Western New York that help people fight cancer and everything that comes with it:

- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which which conducts clinical research on cancer as well as develops new drugs and provides advanced treatment for all forms of adult and pediatric cancer.

- Camp Good Days, a residential summer camp which provides experiences for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.

- Make-A-Wish WNY, who arranges experiences, "wishes", for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

That money is raised through donations, which is what I'm asking if you'd be gracious enough to give. Any amount helps, no matter how small, and will hopefully go a long way towards helping someone facing a much more difficult challenge then four hours of hockey. I'm setting the bar low at $1,000 and I will personally thank you for any gift you can spare. You're the best!

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.