GameStop Gives Rounds Up for Charity
Beginning August 11, 2020, GameStop stores across the U.S. will be asking customers to round up their change to support GameStop Gives charity partners including Children’s’ Miracle Network Hospitals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on local children’s hospitals and now more than ever, children’s hospitals need support. As unemployment continues to surge, and families are losing insurance coverage, children’s hospitals are seeing an uptick in need for charitable care as government programs don’t fully cover the cost of caring for kids. By partnering with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, GameStop is helping transform how we meet these urgent needs brought on by the pandemic. Kids can’t wait for a cure. Kids need our help, now.
Thank you, GameStop, for making a tremendous difference in the lives of kids like Vinny.
When Vinny’s mom, Amanda, started a toy drive for pediatric patients at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, she had no idea her son would one day benefit from those types of donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Vinny had a rough start. As a baby, he was often sick and saw several doctors and specialists in an effort to get to the bottom of his health issues, many of which involved respiratory issues such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and breathing issues.
At the age of 7, Vinny was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis along with pancreatic insufficiency.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In those with pancreatic insufficiency, food isn’t properly digested, usually resulting in the person having extreme weight loss or difficulty gaining weight.
Vinny needs to take in 10,000 calories a day to counteract the energy his body expends in trying to breathe. On an average day, he takes 40-60 enzyme capsules a day to manage his cystic fibrosis and related conditions.
Even though Vinny has a lot of health challenges, he’s involved in a running club and other sports-related activities at his elementary school. He’s also an accomplished artist and has plans of working for Marvel one day.
After Vinny’s diagnosis, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped the family purchase a special vest that vibrates at a high frequency to help break up the mucus in his chest. The family also receives funds, directly from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donations, which allow them to travel to Kansas City to see a specialist.
Since 2018, GameStop has provided nearly $2 million in support for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through point of sale campaigns, product donations, Extra Life and more.