The Rangers may have lost on Monday night, but the day was a big win. JL and I represented Blue Seat Blogs at the 12th annual Play Like A Pro Game, played on MSG ice, in support of Band of Parents and neuroblastoma cancer research. The end result of Monday’s games and the fundraising effort was extraordinary, with the event raising more than $350,000 for neuroblastoma–rare form of childhood cancer that develops in immature nerve cells that eventually develop into a tumor–research.
The two games played on MSG ice are in memory of Talia Castellano, who sadly lost her fight with neuroblastoma in 2013. Talia, the first honorary CoverGirl in 2012, documented her journey on YouTube, and you can view all her videos here.
This was Blue Seat Blogs’ third year presenting the Eric Alper Memorial Trophy to the MVPs of both games. We had a first this year, as we had our first goalie MVP(s) in the first game. Marc Solomon was in net for Team Merx, and he was the main reason why this game was close. In the second game, another goalie was our MVP, as Nate Reid was outstanding in net for Team UBS, allowing just 1 goal in his team’s win.
As a special surprise, Kenny Albert joined the event to do play-by-play of the second game.
You can view more pictures of the event here.
Band of Parents, in partnership with Garden of Dreams and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, have raised over $14 million in cancer research to develop several treatments and vaccines that have raised the survival rate from just 5% in the 1980’s to over 50% today. While that is truly amazing, a 50% survival rate is far too low for the 700 children diagnosed every year. Band of Parents and MSK hope to continually increase that survival rate through these treatments, vaccines, and partnerships with other hospitals around the country.
BSB was able to raise close to $2,000 for this year’s event. The goal is to build on that next year and in the years to come. A big thank you to everyone who donated. Know that you truly made a difference.