On October 17 I will participate in a fund-raising event for Texas Children’s Hospital called Extra Life.  It is a 24-hour gaming marathon. Seriously. A nationwide community of gamers will begin playing games at 8am on Saturday and play until 8am Sunday.  Through sponsorship, the gamers will raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment.   Last year’s inaugural event raised $120,000!

I was born in Houston and lived there 13 of my 40 years.  As such, I feel a great sense of pride that I can continue to support Texas Children’s Hospital all the way from South Carolina.

While I have contributed to cancer research funds before, I have taken it a little more personally since losing my dad to cancer.  Dad was in his mid 70s when cancer took him and I was devastated.  I cannot even imagine what it must be like to experience that as a child.  Texas Children’s Hospital not only works to attack the cancer, it also pays attention to the emotional needs of the family.

So I need you to help me.  Help me reach my personal goal of raising $1000 for Texas Children’s Hospital. I’m asking everyone I know to sponsor me for $2/hr (a $48 donation) to this more-than-worthy cause.  If that’s too much, then $1/hr (a $24 donation).  Look, I never ask for money.  Heck, I never ask for support of any kind – but I’m asking now.

I’m 40 years old, staying up for 24 consecutive hours is a challenge in itself!  And it starts at 8am.  Have you met me?  You KNOW it’ll be a struggle for me to get out of bed by 8am!  Add the repetitive strain injuries I’m risking and this is damn-near a suicide mission!

I will be posting hourly updates on Twitter throughout the event and I will also be broadcasting live on webcam.  Link to the feed can be found here on the day of the event.  So get your wallet out and help me raise some money for Texas Children’s Hospital.

Make donations here: https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/netcommunity/kenvaughn

Learn more about Extra Life here: http://extralife.sarcasticgamer.com/