Game lovers of all kinds are spending the next few weeks raising funds and deciding what to play on Saturday, October 25. That’s the day of the 2014 Extra Life event benefiting The Children’s Hosptial at Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC), a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The grassroots gaming experience lets gamers register for free at www.Extra-Life.org, select The Children’s Hospital at MUMC, establish a fundraising goal, and seek donations from friends and family to support their “game day.”

Since 2008, tens of thousands of participants have raised more than $8 million Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Extra Life program. All secure donations made on behalf of Extra Life participants go directly to the nearest member hospital. The Children’s Hospital at MUMC has used these funds to purchase Giraffe® OmniBeds and feeding pumps for MUMC’s Level III neonatal intensive care nursery, transport cribs, and a neonatal transport ambulance. Additionally, the child life specialists at MUMC are funded through CMN Hospitals. They provide education, play, and coping techniques for children receiving medical treatment.  

Though the Extra Life program is a gaming marathon, gamers are encouraged to take breaks throughout the day and to implement all applicable safety measures. Players can choose to game for a portion of 24 hours on October 25, spread out their hours over several days, or play as a relay among team members. Please visit the Safety Notice page at www.extra-life.org for more tips on how to game wisely.