Tim, with hair, at a LAN Party in 2005.

Why Extra Life?

Some of you may be wondering why I choose to play games in order to raise money for charity. It's actually a bit more of a specific reason than, say, just the fact that I've always loved playing video games (see banner image above). When I was twelve years old, I accidentally tore a hip muscle, which late. I was admitted to Hurley Children's Hospital after being passed off from McLaren Hospital in Lapeer, where a steady drip of morphine had me moving in and out of consciousness and words like "cancerous" and "tumor" had been floated over the dark shapes on my CAT scans.

While I am deeply indebted and grateful for the phenomenal service and care I got at Hurley, what has stayed with me the most is my first night there, when a nurse came in and informed me that I would have my pick of the various video game systems available to the children in their wards. Playing Super Mario Bros. 64 that first night literally changed my outlook and demeanor. Prior to it, I was a sobbing mess. I was utterly terrified of what might be wrong with me. But that night, staying up late with a 64 controller gave me a sense of normalcy that I hadn't felt in weeks. It calmed me down and helped me collect myself, and my focus on the game soon helped me focus on the business of getting better, and getting out of the hospital. This charity and its goals mean a lot to me because it's a way for me to give back to Hurley in the same way they helped me- through play. 

How can you help?

Last year, Team AcaGameia finished its 10th year raising money for CMN hospitals and crossed the $50,000 threshold, for which I am eternally grateful to everyone who has generously given to support hospitals like Hurley. This year we are hoping to raise $10,000 in a single year, a goal that we have come close to but never fully achieved. 

Your donations, tax-deductible and with all proceeds going to help the kids, are safe and easy!To make an online donation please click the "Donate" button on this page. Thank you for caring for our kids!