The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Thursday unveiled the lineup for its inaugural “MDA Takes Vegas” streaming event, set for September 4.
The MDA, which helps people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. noted it has a legacy in Las Vegas, and in innovative approaches to fundraising, having launched its first telethon more than five decades ago.
Organizers said the eight-hour stream-a-thon will bring together the power of Las Vegas, along with the gaming and MDA communities, by featuring eight hours of competitions, giveaways, and celebrity and surprise guest appearances.
The event will be streamed live on Twitch. Fans are invited to view the live gameplay and donate through Crowd Control to affect the game. It will originate from the HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Special guest Nyheim Hines, NFL Indianapolis Colts running back and MDA 2021 National Spokesperson, is among many participants in the event. Hines, whose mother lives with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), is joining families who live with neuromuscular diseases to raise awareness and funds for the mission to fund research, care and advocacy.
“I have had so much fun gaming with the MDA Let’s Play community this year, and my commitment to this cause is personal,” Hines said in a statement. “My family lives with muscular dystrophy and we want to fundraise as much as we can for breakthrough research and care for all of our families. I am excited for this and the opportunity to raise awareness with some of the world’s top gamers. This is going to be extremely fun.”
Joining Hines are hosts and internationally renowned gamers Alpharad and Terroriser, and MDA Let's Play host Beaniez. The stream-a-thon also will feature guest players from the Las Vegas Aviators baseball team, former Raiders team player Anttaj 'Taj' Hawthorne, members of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Twitch creators, and 12-year-old MDA National Ambassador Ethan LyBrand.
Kristine Welker, chief of staff, MDA, added, “Twitch is the platform where we can reach and engage with a new generation who wants to contribute to our mission. We are excited to tap into the philanthropic spirit of the gaming community and amplify our message of supporting people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. From stage to stream, we are innovating to further our mission. Through our MDA Let’s Play events, we have seen not only that gaming is a great equalizer for people with disabilities, but how supportive and giving the gaming community can be.”
