This will be a special year for my fundraising effort for the 11 Day Power Play. I will be raising money and skating in memory of my mother who lost her battle with lung cancer this past year.

My mother filled a very special place in the hearts of those that knew her and so many had their lives brightened by the light she shared. I witnessed the grueling battle that she took on and how hard she fought and the manner in which she battled every day. Not only did she push through pain, fear and uncertainty, but she never lost who she was. With each doctor, nurse, aid, admin or anyone else she came in contact with, she always made sure she knew that person’s story. It was never surface level with her. She truly got to know you and was genuinely interested in who you were.

We miss her terribly and that special connection she had with each one of her kids, grandkids, siblings and friends, will never be forgotten. She took me to many hockey practices and games and always made sure it was a blast. She played music and sang to me so that I was always pumped when I got out of the car for a game. She was there for my toughest losses and she also made sure that all of my friends and teammates were treated like family. No doubt in my mind she made their lives better as well.

I will skate this year in her memory as a tribute to the life she lived and to how she made a positive impact on everyone around her.

I miss and love you, Mom.

Eric

Check out 11daypowerplay.com for more information.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer!