Achi news desk-
Australian gamers are adding to an impressive $1.2 million raised in the name of cancer research.
Since April 1st, ‘superhero streamers’ have been broadcasting to the world on YouTube and Twitch, advertising and receiving donations from Game On Cancer.
‘Nicktacula’ (real name Nick) from South Australia leads one of this year’s teams.
“Cancer has touched my life in many different ways and that’s why I wanted to be involved,” the 27-year-old explained.
“Luckily one of my friends and a family member beat him.”
“Another one of my close friends, unfortunately, was not so lucky. And it really hit hard.”
“She was an absolute ray of sunshine through our community and it helped people understand why this is so important.”
“We don’t want to lose any more bright, beautiful sparks.”
Nick has been fundraising since 2021, playing a collection of games including Rocket League, Helldivers 2 and Call of Duty.
After raising $5,000 solo last year, Nick plans for his group to reach $20,000 in 2024.
“We have an amazing gaming community in Australia and New Zealand and more and more people jump on board every year – not just with Game on Cancer – but with other charities as well.”
“Although we haven’t quite achieved a cure yet, these are all important steps towards finding something that will actually work.”
Money raised from this year’s event – which runs throughout April and May – will be donated to the work of Dr Kevin Phoenix at the University of Adelaide, where they are developing new treatments and prognostics for bowel, head and neck cancer.
Stephanie Bendiksen, a TV host better known online as hexsteph, has signed up as an ambassador.
“I don’t think anyone would have thought that video games would be key to raising funds for cancer research, but it was this positive and wonderful way to motivate people to invest their time and energy and money in a cause that would really help a lot of people.”
“The survival rate for all types of cancer has increased from 52% to 70% in the last 30 years and it’s because of this groundbreaking research.”
“The key to this is how Game On Cancer enables really fun events for gamers to rally around.”
“It’s super inspiring to see.”
Gamers interested in joining superhero streamers to start fundraising can get involved by:
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Sign up for a fundraiser on Tiltify between April 1st and May 31st
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Joining a fundraising team or flying solo
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Go on air and have fun while they raise donations
Streamers will be eligible to unlock amazing prizes when they reach various fundraising milestones thanks to industry sponsors.
