Extra Life Game Day

Play Games and Fundraise to Help Kids on November 8, 2025.

Level up for a cause

When Cody was born, doctors at his local hospital in Cambridge feared the worst. He had Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare condition affecting about one in 60,000 births. Born without a sacrum and with severely underdeveloped legs and feet, his family was told he likely wouldn’t survive the night. But the outlook changed when he was transferred to McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

Today, Cody is 35 and thriving. He has two beautiful kids, a career he enjoys, legs that carry him wherever he needs to go, and a heart that still beats with gratitude for the care that shaped his life. 

Cody spent much of the first year of his life at McMaster Children’s Hospital, visiting every two weeks to have his feet cast in hopes of reshaping them for walking. Later, he underwent major surgeries to fuse his feet to his shin bones, since he was born without ankles. These procedures gave him the ability to stand and walk. Recovery meant weeks in heavy casts, time in a wheelchair, and years of follow-up care. 

Despite the challenges, Cody’s memories of being a MacKid are positive. “I never remember being scared while I was there,” he says. “I remember everyone was very nice and I remember the toy rooms and play areas.” Those spaces gave him comfort and introduced him to one of his lifelong hobbies: video games. 

Years later, that passion became a way to give back. Through Extra Life – a community of gamers who fundraise for children’s hospitals across North America – Cody found the perfect way to support the hospital that gave him so much. Each year, participants take on a 24-hour gaming marathon, rallying donations to help local kids. 

“I thought it was such a cool idea,” Cody says. “When I found out I could fundraise specifically for McMaster Children’s Hospital, it felt perfect.” He invited friends to join him, and they jumped at the chance. 

Now in his 10th year of fundraising, Cody says his motivation is simple: “I do it for the many other children and families in need of a miracle.” 

Funds raised through Extra Life support essential equipment, innovative research, and programs that make hospital stays easier for kids, like child life specialists who provide comfort during procedures and playrooms where kids can just be kids. 

By sharing his story and his passion for gaming, Cody is helping ensure that McMaster Children’s Hospital continues to provide life-changing care.  Support Cody’s fundraiser and join him in helping make miracles happen for families across our region. 

“The team at McMaster Children’s Hospital gave me not just medical care, but hope,” he says. “Because of this, I was given opportunity I otherwise would never have had. I have been able to build a life I did not believe I could. I’ll forever be grateful to the teams who helped me become the person I am today.” 

Join Extra Life and make a difference for kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital

Be like Cody and make your game day matter. By joining Extra Life, you’re helping bring joy, comfort, and essential care to kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

With Extra Life, supporting MacKids isn’t just easy, it’s fun! Join them on game day, November 8, 2025, to play games and heal kids. 

Every dollar raised goes directly to funding crucial programs that enhance the care and comfort of children during their hospital stay. Extra Life fundraisers are vital for McMaster Children’s Hospital to continue providing the specialized care and resources that young patients need.