It’s All ‘Fun and Games’ at This Fundraiser
In video games, it’s easy to get an extra life.
But when it comes to sick and injured kids, there is a need for specialized doctors … and extra special hospitals.
That’s why the Children’s Miracle Network launched Extra Life, a 24-hour gaming marathon dedicated to having fun while raising funds to ‘help heal local kids.’
Dan Browne and his 11-year-old daughter, Lauren, will played together on the November 2nd Game Day. This year marks Dan’s seventh and Lauren’s fifth time participating in the fundraiser, which her father says “shows her how we can show compassion toward others.”
Dan and Lauren choose to support Extra Life because it directly benefits children and their families. They want to promote awareness and involvement for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, because they know the work can’t be done alone.
Lauren was born with a rare brain tumor and doctors told us that she had a 10% chance to live until her first birthday. After more than 25 surgeries, procedures and countless hospital stays, Dan says, “I know the weakness of a weary wander, exhausted and overwhelmed … I have learned as parents, we don’t have to walk this alone.”
“By the grace of God, Lauren continues to thrive, says Dan. It’s hard to look back on what Lauren has been through and not wish it to be different. However, everything she has faced has helped grow her into who she is today. It’s beautiful to see how God has worked in her life and continues to do so.”
Thanks to the Children’s Miracle Network, Lauren has achieved new miracles. Her feeding tube was removed at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in 2015. More recently, she was able to have an important scan at UF Health Shands Hospital, which showed no changes to the remaining pieces of tumor.
When Dan asked Lauren why it is important to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network, she replied, “Love God and love people.” The first year she showed an interest in gaming by Dad’s side, she said, “I want to help heal kids like me.”
For this year’s tournament, Dan surprised Lauren with a new game. For our part, we know Lauren will keep surprising us with her incredible strength and spirit.
Learn more about Extra Life at www.extra-life.org or call 850.416.4665.