Extra Life Kansas City Reaches $1 Million Raised for KU Medical Center

October 10, 2025 | By Hannah Cimino

We’re thrilled to share that Extra Life Kansas City has officially raised over $1 million in support of KU Medical Center!

Since 2010, this incredible program has united gamers of all kinds to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. What began as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a powerful movement improving the lives of local kids and families.

What is Extra Life?

Extra Life is a national fundraising program through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that empowers gamers to use their passion for play to make a difference. Participants pledge to play games and raise funds for their local member hospital, transforming game nights, livestreams, tournaments, and community events into opportunities to support children’s health care.

From tabletop players and console fans to PC gamers and mobile app enthusiasts, anyone can join Extra Life. The format is simple: play games, share your fundraising page, and raise critical dollars that stay local to help kids receive life-saving treatment and care—regardless of their ability to pay.

A Growing Force for Good

Over the years, Extra Life Kansas City has continued to level up its impact. Since 2020 alone, the program has raised more than $100,000 each year—with 2024 marking our biggest year yet at $144,000.

This milestone was made possible by a passionate and diverse community of supporters:

Streamers hosted charity marathons and donation drives that reached audiences across the country.
Esports teams turned tournaments into fundraisers, combining friendly competition with philanthropy.
Casual gamers brought friends and family together for game nights dedicated to making a difference.
Local businesses joined in the fun, hosting workplace gaming events and employee giving campaigns.

Impact That Stays Local

Every dollar raised through Extra Life Kansas City directly benefits Children’s Miracle Network at KU Medical Center, helping to fund life-saving equipment, patient programs, and family support services. These donations make a real impact for children receiving care right here in our community—from newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to teens battling complex medical conditions.

Join the Movement

If you haven’t joined Extra Life yet, now’s the perfect time to get involved. It’s free to sign up, and there are countless ways to participate—whether you’re a solo gamer, part of a streaming community, or looking to engage your workplace in a fun and meaningful way.

Sign up for Extra Life today here: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=register.start&eventID=559&hospital=5083

To learn more or get started, contact Hannah Cimino, Kansas City Extra Life Program Director, at hmaddy@kumc.edu.

Let’s keep the momentum going, bring even more players into the fold, and level up for the next million!