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Extra Life

Extra Life is a charitable gaming program of Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals which raises funds and awareness across the U.S. and Canada. There are thousands of Extra Lifers (gamers who sign up for Extra Life) across the world who raise money for their local children's hospital by playing games.

It's a lot like running a 5K, where you raise money and then run the race. Only in Extra Life, you play games — video games, board games, other tabletop games and more! And you can do it any day of the year.

Become an Extra Lifer

Since inception in 2008, more than $100 million has been raised through the Extra Life charity for their member hospitals, including Children's Health.

How to Register for Extra Life

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1. Sign up for Extra Life Go to www.extra-life.org and make sure you choose Children's Health as your hospital of choice.

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2. Fundraise and Recruit Your Team Ask your family and friends to donate to your Extra Life Fundraiser Page. Post on social, share via your stream or text.

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3. Play Any Game on Any Day of the Year Raise funds, have fun and help make life better for children.

How Do I Participate in Extra Life Game Day?

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Extra Life is a program that unites thousands of players around the world to host fundraising and gaming marathons in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Each year, there is a national game day, where Extra Lifers pledge to play on that day and spread awareness for pediatric health care. Or, they can create their own game day or days. Essentially, gamers put in game time whenever works for them, because it all makes a difference in changing kids’ health.

Since inception in 2008, more than $120 Million has been raised for Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals, including more than $1 million for Children’s Health. Join us on national game day on Nov. 8, 2025!

What do I do on Game Day?

It’s totally up to you! You can game from the comfort of your own couch, at your friend’s house, at a rec center, at work — anywhere is fair game (Pun intended. Eyerolls permitted)! Lots of Extra Lifers organize big group events for the occasion and just as many pull out the sweatpants and snacks for a chill day at home. Your Game Day doesn’t even have to be on November 8th. It’s your fundraiser—do it your way!

Extra Life Resources

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About Extra Life Charity

Extra Life was started after an Orange, Texas, radio station connected with Victoria, a young girl battling leukemia. The station was able to donate video games to help Victoria and other patients whose illnesses required an extended stay at the hospital. Unfortunately, after four years and several relapses, Victoria lost her battle. Jeromy “Doc” Adams wanted to honor Victoria’s life and created Extra Life, a way for gamers to raise money doing something they love. On October 15, 2008, the first Extra Life event was held. Over 1,200 gamers showed up, and news of the event spread. In 2010, Extra Life officially became a CMN Hospitals program.

Today, Extra Life is connected with over 100,000 gamers and has partnerships with some of the most prominent gaming streams like Twitch and Rooster Teeth.

How Extra Life Helps Children's Medical Center Foundation

In North Texas, Extra Life participants play to support the patients treated at Children’s Health. Local gamers can raise funds for Children’s Medical Center Foundation by participating in the Extra Life charity gaming event — since 2010 we have raised more than $1,000,000 through CMN Extra Life!

Funds raised through Extra Life support Children’s Health’s greatest need, which includes enhancement of care, discovery of cures and building a healthier community across all Children’s Health campuses. All contributions directly support patients and their families, ensuring the best experience, best care and ultimately a fighting chance to get back to being a kid again.

Extra Lifers

There are many ways to participate in Extra Life, and many different supporters. Click below to learn more about all the ways you can play games and make life better for children.

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    Kirsten Miller

    Kirsten Miller plays Final Fantasy and streams it on Twitch. She asks her viewers and followers to donate while she’s streaming. Check out her Extra Life Page.

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    DFW Gaming Village

    This group of gamers plays tabletop games. They host game days at their house and ask their guests to bring a donation. Throughout the night they also host raffles and other fun games. Check out their Extra Life Page.

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    OpTic Gaming

    Children’s Health partner, OpTic Gaming, has raised over $71,000 and donated three gaming carts to Children’s Health. Check out their Fundraising Page.

Students and Corporations

If you're a student or company looking to get your peers involved with Extra Life, take a look at the below resources to get started.

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FAQs

There are many ways to participate in Extra Life, and many different supporters. Click below to learn more about all the ways you can play games and make life better for children.

Questions?

Please reach out to Marcie Long with any questions at marcie.long@childrens.com.

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