For the second year, Karly and I were honored to represent Blue Seat Blogs at the Band of Parents Play Like A Pro Charity Game at MSG. Band of Parents is committed to raising money for neuroblastoma research. Neuroblastoma is a rare form of childhood cancer that develops in immature nerve cells. These cells that would otherwise develop into normal nerve cells grow uncontrollably and develop into a tumor.

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 and vaccines.

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.

Karly and I select the MVP of each of the two games played. For Game 1, we wanted to pick the entire Merx 2nd line, but since it had to go to one person, we went with Matt Kweller, who dominated puck possession and put up a game-high 2-3-5. In Game 2, we also had a tough decision with the scoring so spread out and each team playing stellar defense. We again went with the player we felt dominated play every time he was on the ice, and that was Justin Grillo.

Blue Seat Blogs has made a $500 donation in support of Band of Parents and neuroblastoma research.

If you’d like to donate, please do so by clicking here.

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