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Who is your Reason2Play? Learn more about NSCF’s 24-hour Minecraft marathon!

02nd June 2015

 

Twitch.tv 24-hour Minecraft gaming event to raise funding for NSCF’s stem cell research for myelin repair

Twitch.tv, the world’s leading video platform for gamers, has chosen the National Stem Cell Foundation as the recipient of a 24-hour marathon Minecraft gaming event on Saturday, June 6.

Reason2Play, the Twitch-hosted charity gaming marathon, features top Minecraft players who , in February, committed to logging 10,000 hours of game play in support of research being funded by the National Stem Cell Foundation to repair and rebuild myelin. The marathon event tops off the campaign.

Myelin is tissue in the brain that acts like the insulation around an electrical wire. The thicker the myelin, the faster messages travel from the brain to the rest of the body. Many diseases break down myelin — such as multiple sclerosis — as well as autoimmune reactions, inherited diseases and infections.

Stem cell research is seeking ways to help the brain regenerate and repair myelin. Research suggests myelin is created and strengthened through repetition – or practice. Experts suggest 10,000 hours of practice results in expert-level skill. By making the connection between the practice required to regenerate myelin, Reason2Play calls on Twitch.tv gaming broadcasters to log 10,000 hours of Minecraft play to raise funds and awareness for myelin repair research funded by the National Stem Cell Foundation.

“When considering that practice builds myelin, we thought, ‘Who demonstrates this better than gamers, particularly those who play Minecraft? Mastering Minecraft requires a great deal of ingenuity, creativity, and social cooperation. Not only that, it has proven to be a highly successful educational tool all over the world. Reason2Play is a terrific opportunity to make the connection to stem cell research and treatment among gamers, a population that values skill, innovation, and dedication.”

Just as stem cells are the building blocks of the human body, Minecraft’s players build constructions out of 3-cubes and use other critical skills such as exploration, resource gathering, crafting, and combat.

Twitch broadcasters will be promoting the Reason2Play campaign while streaming their Minecraft play, encouraging their followers to learn more about stem cell research and make a contribution to the National Stem Cell Foundation. Twitch averages 43 million viewers per month and Minecraft is the best-selling PC game of all time with more than 100 million users since its launch in 2009.

Twitch gamers and viewers are encouraged to get involved using #Reason2Play to talk to others about stem cell research and treatment.

Donations can be made by visiting Reason2Play.org.