Extra Life Game Day is a 24-hour gaming marathon that raises funds to save kids’ lives. Local participants pledge to play games and heal kids by raising funds for The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals member.
With the help of the Extra Life San Antonio Guild, RackerGamers, and other sponsors, this event has grown exponentially over the past few years in San Antonio. Last year, local gamers raised $51,000 for The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation. This year, participants have a collective goal of raising $70,000! The event will take place on Saturday, November 5th, at several “hot spots” throughout the city, including Rackspace Headquarters.
Jon Vandermeer is a member of the Extra Life San Antonio Guild. Read about why he supports the cause:
Hello San Antonio gamers!
My name is Jon Vandermeer. I am a nurse by day, owner of Tabletop Gaming Center by night, and a dedicated Extra Life fundraiser. There is a monumental connection between this charity and my family. My stepson Gabriel was born premature at 23 weeks with Prater Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes poor muscle tone, learning disabilities, and several other conditions. The biggest issue is his inability to feel full after eating. He spent the first 6 months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to many complications.
During one of these complications, Gabriel got an infection which needed medication through IV tube. The medical team was unable to obtain a traditional IV so they went in through his femur. While they were able to give the medication, there was a side effect which destroyed the bone and prevented that leg from ever growing again. Fast forward three years – upon realization his leg would inhibit his growth, we made the heart-wrenching decision to amputate. That decision was not easy for any of us. Since then, he has grown tremendously and is starting to use his walker.
A few months ago, he underwent yet another spinal surgery for scoliosis at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. This surgery isn’t usually recommended until age 12 however, our doctor insisted it be done earlier. This will be followed up with more procedures in the years to come.
Today, Gabriel is doing much better. He is sitting up taller, verbalizing like crazy and overcoming every obstacle placed in front of him! Plus, we have nurses and therapists who love him like their own. The people who took care of our child inspired my wife to become a NICU nurse.
His surgery went well and the entire staff was wonderful. It is the sole reason we selected The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and Extra Life as our cause. Now that I am in a position to give back, I am holding an Extra Life event at Tabletop Gaming Center on November 5th where 10% of sales and 100% of entry fees will be donated back to the Hospital. All I ask is to join us or amplify your own Extra Life fundraising journey.
Thank you!
If you are interested in joining the movement, click the button below!
Follow the action at #ExtraLife or learn more at facebook.com/ExtraLife4Kids and twitter.com/ExtraLife4Kids.
CHRISTUS Children's Foundation 
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