Extra Life is a 24-hour gaming marathon in which participants create a personal fundraising page and are sponsored to play games for a 24 hour period (Yes gamers you may break it up into numerous sessions). Extra Life started in 2008, and was inspired by Victoria Enmon, a young girl who passed away after a valiant battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Iam Jeromy Adams, nicknamed “Doc” which derives from his work as a radio host, is the founder of Extra Life. After Victoria passed away, Doc and his partners at Sarcastic Gamer raised $302,000 in 2008 and 2009, with 100% of the proceeds going to help kids suffering from various illnesses at Texas Children’s Hospital (Doc’s local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital).
In 2009, Doc started full-time work at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, holding the position of Radiothon Director in which he quickly realized the potential of expanding the Extra Life program. Thousands of gamers, around 100 websites, and over 12,000 donors have supported Extra Life over the years, but many wanted to directly help local kids in their area. Now, gamers participating in Extra Life 2014 can support local kids and families alike by directing donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of their choice.
The National Game Day for the 2014 Extra Life gaming marathon will begin on Saturday, October 25th at 8 a.m. and end Sunday, October 26th at 8 a.m (central time).