I know there are a myriad of charities to contribute to. I also know everyone has a budget and only so much money to give to charities. I would greatly appreciate any donation amount that you can spare.

Cancer has touched everyone’s life. Some family stories are that of miraculous recovery and triumph while others are left without their loved one. This is a charity set up to keep all money local; provide money to benefit cancer research at Roswell and to support wellness programs.

The 11 Day Power Play for Roswell Park is a hockey tournament comprised of teams that compete in a three-hour hockey game spanning 24 hours a day for eleven days straight.

Although I am donating monetarily, I will also be playing in one of these three-hour games on a National Grid team on Sunday July 14^th.

I am grateful and blessed to play in this tournament. I know how quickly life can change. In the blink of an eye your life can be turned upside down and you or your loved one could be in a battle for your/their life. I know several people who lost their battle with cancer. I know several people who won their battle with cancer. And I know several people who are in the biggest battle of their life with cancer right now.

This charity is designed to provide money for cancer research to find medicines, natural remedies and treatments to stop the progression of cancer and hopefully eventually a cure to cancer. Money is also allocated to Camp Good Days and Make a Wish Foundation to provide patients with the emotional support and recharging their spirits to continue to fight the good fight. This charity benefits people of all ages and walks of life.

I am optimistic that cancer will be eradicated with cancer research, people adjusting their diets/lifestyle and proper medicines and nutrition. In the meantime, money is a necessity for research and development and wellness programs to help support patients and their families.

I am truly grateful and appreciative of any contribution amount that you can donate to such a worthwhile cause. It is really needed.

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.