When a child enters a hospital, they are forced to grow up. Undergoing treatments and long recoveries, kids can fall into depression and risk losing hope. After discovering the difficulties they face, gamer Zach Wigal embarked on a quest to bring fun back into their lives. With a gaming console specially designed for hospitals, he’s helping young patients be kids again.
In 2008, Wigal founded Gamers for Giving, a platform that hosts LAN parties, competitions, and streamathons with the purpose of donating the proceeds to organisations in need. It was around this time that he learnt of the challenges youth in hospitals endure. “Kids and teens who are long-term patients may often feel isolated, alone, or they’re missing out on the opportunity to participate in activities,” Wigal says. To give these children some control over their lives, he established the Gamers Outreach Foundation and began creating the hospital-friendly gaming kiosk, GO Kart. Designed around the challenges of hospital life, the console is easily manoeuvrable, made with medical-grade materials, and comes with an adjustable monitor to ensure youth have an entertaining and productive outlet during their recoveries.
Since its inception, Wigal’s console has empowered over one million young patients across the United States. “By creating opportunities for laughter and happiness, we’re helping to inspire a shift in a patient’s wellbeing,” Wigal says. The initiative relies on 800 volunteers to deliver the devices to approximately 200 health facilities, helping children build connections and explore new worlds from the safety of their bed. “They are given a sense of agency when they are otherwise powerless in these environments,” Wigal says. More than just fun, games can help kids take on some of their greatest challenges.
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