Gaming for Good: Jonathon Holbrook
Extra Life Orlando is powered by dedicated and passionate gamers who increase funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, by playing games to heal kids with the Extra Life program.
Gamers like…
Jonathan Holbrook (Twitch Name: Acideous), a third year Extra Lifer, who is an EMT and raised more than $2,300 for the kids in 2018!
Home State: Florida
Twitch profile: Twitch.tv/Acideous
Gaming Platforms: PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch
Favorite Games: Tekken 7, Overwatch, Pokémon, DarkSouls, and World of Warcraft
Like most of Extra Lifers, Jonathan originally heard about Extra Life through watching some of his favorite Twitch streams, and immediately wanted to join and help his local CMN hospital. Jonathan shared, “I’ve been a gamer all my life, and for the last 8 years I have also been a full-time EMT in Orlando, FL. I have had my share of transports that involved children and their families. Some of these calls ended up being my most memorable, and not always for good reasons. When I found out about Extra Life and how I could do something I love and give back to these people who are struggling, it was not even a question. After my first year the pride and joy I felt for what I had been a part of had me hooked!”
As an emergency medical professional, Jonathan has had many direct experiences transporting patients to our hospital, spent time within our walls, and knows just how tough it can be for children and families who come through our doors. He also knows that gaming can provide a sense of normalcy to children while they are in the hospital, just as it does for those who game from the comfort of their home. As Jonathan believes, “Gaming is a means of escape some days, and a means of connection on another. I play to let my mind wander, to explore worlds and go where I could never go myself; to learn and to let myself be in that moment. I play because it brings me closer to my friends and my wife. It can be both competitive and cooperative. Gaming is a large part of my life and something that had me so captivated when I was growing up, and to this day has kept on doing so.”
Joining Extra Life has been a unique gift for Jonathan. Though his profession had already led him to a path where he can make a different through medicine, he can now also bridge his passion for gaming into a tangible good for his community.
For new gamers considering joining the Extra Life movement, Jonathan pointed out that “playing games because of what they bring to your life should continue with Extra Life. The excitement and joy you convey in your streams will come through and that’s so enjoyable to watch. Get ready to be part of an awesome family of gamers!”
Are you a current Extra Life gamer who would like to share why you game for good? Email Tyler.Swanson@orlandohealth.com for more information.