‘Gaming4Growth’ Named 2024 Extra Life Ambassadors for Hurley Children’s Hospital
Even though #ExtraLife Game Day isn’t until November 2nd, many in the Extra Life community have already gotten a jump on fundraising for #HurleyChildrensHospital, including our 2024 Extra Life Ambassadors, Gaming4Growth.
In 2018, solo Extra Lifer Rachel and Hurley Medical Center IT’s very own Nate came together along with some of their friends from the Midland area and formed Gaming4Growth.
Gaming4Growth was formed with the mission of highlighting personal and community growth through playing games, and they have done just that.
Since 2018, Gaming4Growth has made a large impact on all of us at Hurley though their participation in Extra Life, including a 24 hour Game Day marathon, monthly multiplayer events and quarterly Community Board Game Days. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team here at Hurley is so grateful for all that they do and we are so excited to announce them as our 2024 Extra Life Ambassadors!
Meet The Members of Gaming4Growth
John aka Jimples
Game of Choice: JRPGs and Tower Defense games
Favorite Snack: Cool Ranch Doritos until my jaw hurts
As a kid, John dreamed of playing video games as a full time job. Although that didn’t necessarily happen, every year, John gets to fulfill his dream through Extra Life. Extra Life gives John the opportunity to fulfill his own childhood dreams while also supporting kids during a time where they might need a little help with theirs.
Rachel
Game of Choice: Hearthstone
Favorite Snack: Chips and salsa
Hurley Children’s Hospital has impacted several people around Rachel. Extra Life gives Rachel the opportunity to support Hurley though one of her favorite hobbies. Rachel says she loves being team captain of the “most amazing team ever” and thinks they are a super fun bunch. “I love how much our team continues to grow and bring people together.”
Mary
Game of Choice: Palia or Old School RuneScape
Favorite Snack: Goldfish crackers
Throughout Mary’s life, video games have always been a way to bring people together and foster community. Mary says, “Extra Life captures that aspect of gaming while providing an avenue for gamers to do good in their own community. Not only do I get to hang out with amazing people who share my passion for gaming, but I get to use that passion to help those in need.”
LrdFyrestone (Nathan)
Game of Choice: Jurassic World Evolution 2
Favorite Snack: Whataburger
Extra Life has given Nathan the chance to give back through something that he enjoys. Extra Life has also given Nathan the chance to join up with friends around the world to make a huge difference.
Trent
Game of Choice: Stardew Valley Favorite Snack: Bananas
Growing up and raising his own children, Trent has seen how big of an impact video games can have. Trent says, “Games can help children experience the world in a way that no other medium can, they can help kids be creative, to learn skills, to make friends, and most importantly to have fun. I am so happy that through Extra Life, myself and others cannot only bring joy, but can help heal children as well.”
Just like Gaming4Growth, you too can play games to heal kids. Sign Up for Extra Life today, select “Hurley Children’s Hospital” and make the difference in the lives of pediatric patients treated at our CMN hospital.
MeKenzie Phillips is the CMN Office and Fundraising Associate at Hurley Foundation. Comments or questions about this blog? Email mphilli5@hurleymc.com.
