EXTRA LIFE is a grass roots fundraising program sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to save local kids through the power of play.
From console to lawn games, EXTRA LIFE gamers are known for doing what they do best: helping sick and injured kids at their chosen Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. That’s exactly what one special gamer has done for the young patients at Hurley Children’s Hospital.
Gamer “Chip Cheezum” (Genesee High School graduate, Josh Stinson) was first touched by the stories about Flint’s water crisis in 2016. He knew that people of all ages were being impacted, but he cared especially about the kids. So, he decided to do something about it.
At that time, Chip was an associate video editor and his mom, a Hurley employee. Chip and his friends General Ironicus, VoidBurger and Snugglebeast decided to game for Flint. Thanks to their efforts and the supporters who followed the action as they streamed it live, they raised $28,390. “We were shocked by how much money our fans helped us raise, and we had hoped to raise even more the next year,” Chip recalled. He vowed to do more and true to his word, his team raised $31,605.90 for Hurley Children’s Hospital in 2017. Donations continued to come in after the marathon ended.
Starting at 11am on September 2 2018, Chip and his team again gamed for 24 hours straight. The result: $42,781 in donations! Chip’s gaming marathons have already funded an Exam Room at Hurley’s clinic at the Flint Farmers’ Market, and a Teen Gaming Room on the hospital’s new 11th Floor.
