**New Puck Daddy Article - click here...   Puck Daddy 3/31/11**

Project's Goal

Through distribution and exhibition of this documentary, our goal is to raise money for the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer and The Mario Lemieux Foundation.  Our hope is that each dollar donated to the production of this documentary will turn into two, three or more dollars that we ultimately donate to the two charities.

My Story

In 2007, at the age of 38, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for nearly six months.  During this time, one thing kept me going - hockey.  Watching hockey and rooting for the Pittsburgh Penguins (I'm a Western Pennsylvania native) always gave me something to look forward to and something to take my mind off of how miserable I felt.  During my recovery, I evaluated my life and realized that I had always wanted to play hockey and there was no better time than now to do it.  On my 40th birthday, I stepped onto the ice for the first time with my coach and began my journey.

Since that first day in October of 2009, I have been filming a lot of my learning process for the documentary.  I spent several months learning to skate before I started to actually play hockey. My story will culminate with my participation in the 2011 Pittsburgh Penguins Adult Fantasy Camp in March.  Another large part of the documentary will be interviews with NHL players who have fought cancer and returned to play hockey professionally.

What We Need

In September of 2010, I was officially invited by the Pittsburgh Penguins to participate in their March 2011 Adult Fantasy Camp as their guest.  They are being very generous in providing me with travel to Pittsburgh and accommodations.  Of course, my participation means nothing to my documentary if I cannot film the experience.

The donations to my project will be used to pay for the five days of production during the fantasy camp.  The money will provide for my crew's travel and accommodations, hiring additional crew in Pittsburgh and the cost of renting video equipment (some gear from LA and some gear to be rented locally in Pittsburgh).

Did I say $12,000?  That is the goal to pay for the shoot at the fantasy camp.  However, I want to let everyone know that the total budget of the documentary is over $100,000. If I can raise $20,000, $30,000 or even $50,000 during this fundraiser, so much more of this charitable documentary production can be funded.

If we exceed the $12,000 goal for this portion of the production, money will be used to fund future shoots that include travel for interviews with NHL players as well as post-production costs, such as editing, music, post-sound mixing and DVD creation.  In the event that I exceed my film's total budget, I will donate that additional money directly to Hockey Fights Cancer and The Mario Lemieux Foundation.

All donations are made through my non-profit fiscal sponsor, Athletic Sports Fund of America (ASFA) and are tax-deductible as a charitable donation.  You can learn more about ASFA, a 501(c)3 organization, at their website, www.asfamerica.com.

The Impact

"Life, Cancer and the Pursuit of Hockey" is about dreams.  Dreams of childhood, dreams for a cure, dreams for our future.  It is never too late or too soon to fulfill our dreams.

By bringing "Live, Cancer and the Pursuit of Hockey" to audiences, I will tell a story that speaks to pursuing dreams, a passion for life and a determination to beat a disease that affects so many people.

Proceeds from the distribution of this documentary will be donated to the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer and The Mario Lemieux Foundation.  My hope is that each dollar donated to the production of this documentary will turn into two, three or more dollars that we ultimately donate to the two charities.

Spread the Word

If 1,000 people donate just $25 to my film, that adds up to $25,000 and enough money to send my film crew to the fantasy camp as well as help provide money for future shoots.  If 1,000 people donate $25 and convince just one more person to donate $25, that adds up to $50,000 and can provide funds for editing and other post-production expenses.  I hope you will support my endeavor with your donation and by helping to get the word out.

Press

Delivery of Perks

• You will receive specific information about the delivery of perks following the fundraising drive. The "Thank You" page will go live as soon as we are finished building our website.
  
    
  
• Wristbands and hockey pucks will be sent shortly after the fundraiser is completed.
  
    
  
• My initial goal was to complete the film in the fall of this 2011, but that is not certain.
  
    
  
• Tickets to the premiere or other screenings will depend on the timing of those events.
  
    
  
• DVDs will be available after the film is completed.