Hello everyone, this year I have been invited to participate in this summer's version of the 11 Day Powerplay. So many people have been impacted by cancer in one way or another, and our family is no different. Over the last decade both my mother and her father (pictured above) have had to battle cancer. My mother, Rae Anne Swan, was diagnosed with breast cancer around 10 years ago. Fortunately for her it was caught very early on and after a tough but manageable year, she was pronounced cancer free! About 4 years ago my grandfather (Raymond Hertel) was diagnosed with late stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately he was not so lucky and passed away only a few months after falling ill. Thankfully though, he was able meet and spend some time with our son (named Raymond after him) who was born a few months before he was diagnosed.

    Thank you for taking some time out of your day to read our story. Cancer is a serious issue for a lot of of people around the world. Roswell is trying to change that. Any amount you would be able to contribute to our cause in this fight against cancer will be highly appreciated. Thank You!

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.