Nintendo Partnering with Nonprofit to Bring Gaming Consoles to Hospitalized Children
The new Nintendo Switch gaming stations are being rolled out to hospitals and health care systems across the country as part of an initiative between Nintendo of America and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that’s mission is to bring happiness to ill children and their families.
“Starlight Gaming has been a great aid in helping patients cope with hospitalization,” Lexi Little of Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana, told CNN . “We cannot thank Starlight enough for impacting the lives of our patients, families, and staff members on a daily basis.”
Julie Hertzog, a child life supervisor at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, told CNN: “The gaming stations are important distraction tools that normalize the healthcare environment and help kids through difficult experiences. They provide choices for kids, motivate them, and give them the opportunity to have fun when it is needed most.”
The gaming consoles are easy to clean and transport between rooms, And are especially designed and manufactured by Nintendo for use in a hospital. Each console comes pre-loaded with more than 25 games, from Super Mario Party to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Since the partnership initially began around three decades ago, Starlight and Nintendo have delivered more than 7,200 gaming stations to more than 800 hospitals and health care facilities.
“Over the years, Starlight Gaming stations have provided millions of seriously ill children with the healing power of play, entertainment, socialization, and emotional support, and have helped to normalize an otherwise scary situation or setting for families,” Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight, said. “We’re so grateful to Nintendo and their employees for such a long and continuing partnership fueled by innovation, impact, and generous support.”
“It’s been our pleasure to work with Starlight and observe them bringing happiness to kids when they need it most,” added Don James, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President. “As with everything we do, we hope the new Starlight Nintendo Switch gaming stations will put smiles on the faces of children and their families.”
Image source: CNN
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