Gaming for SickKids
Over a decade ago, I spent a week driving to work in tears. Instead of listening to the usual music and chatter of morning radio, I was listening to a SickKids radio-a-thon where children and families poured out their hearts, talking about how much SickKids meant to them. I made myself a promise then: whether or not I had children, I would always support SickKids.Fast forward a few more years and two daughters (ages ten and seven) later when, on another drive to work, I learned about Extra Life, a charity event where gamers play games for 24 hours in support of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. I was already a gamer--putting many hours into my favourite video games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age--and I was a parent. With my promise in mind, it was simple logic to make Extra Life a part of my gaming plans every year from then on. And as a gaming mom who happily lets her kids share in many of her gaming experiences, getting my kids involved with Extra Life was a no brainer too.
Last year, they mostly sat on my lap as we played child-friendly games like Scribblenauts, but this year, my ten-year-old especially, took on a more significant role. Minecraft is her latest obsession and, while I’m sure the idea of staying up all night to play it was foremost on her mind, I have always encouraged my children to do what they can to support those in need on a regular basis. Having seen my involvement with Extra Life over the years and learning the stories of children and families at SickKids, they were eager to do their part, even getting the jump on the weekend with a Friday evening start.
This year, we had the added privilege of actually visiting SickKids for the first time on Extra Life game day to see just what our contribution does. It was a humbling and overwhelming experience. Though my children have never needed the services SickKids provides, I still believe in what the hospital does and have friends and family members who are a part of my life now because of SickKids. We got to see and meet a few of the families under SickKids care that dropped by the game day event, and tell them about Extra Life. One father, holding his baby boy, commented that events like this often don’t pop up on your radar until you are in need yourself. He was concerned that, not being a gamer himself, he couldn’t contribute, but Extra Life’s gaming criteria has expanded to encompass gamers of any kind--from tabletop to board games to sports--just get out there and play #ForTheKids!
Extra Life is a charity event where gamers play games for 24 hours.
We would like to thank the 1,096 people who registered to participate in Extra Life in support of SickKids. For all those who have already completed their Extra Life challenge – Way to go! For those who still have a 24-hour challenge ahead of them – we wish you luck!
