GameChanger Charity and Former Twitch EVP Jonathan Shipman Reveal ZOTT, a New Web-based Content Platform Revolutionizing Patients’ Freedom to Play, Learn and Socialize
MENLO PARK, Calif. – GameChanger Charity, a global non-profit enterprise providing aid and relief for young people battling life-threatening illnesses, as well as their families and caregivers, is commemorating its 10th anniversary with the news it has already secured donations valued over $18 million for 2018. The lion’s share of this achievement is thanks to a generous in-kind gift from Microsoft of one-year Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, which will be distributed to patients in children’s hospitals around the world and help further drive GameChanger’s outreach efforts.
“As a young cancer patient, I was stunned by the lack of entertainment, education and social interaction available in hospitals, as well as by the devastating effects this absence of communal and intellectual stimulation can have on kids and young adults,” said Taylor Carol, who co-founded GameChanger Charity with his father, Jim Carol, in 2007 after his own experience with childhood leukemia. “GameChanger was born from the belief that every person has a right to play, learn and socialize. We’re immensely grateful for every opportunity we’re given to bring even a moment of joy into the lives of those who fight the impossible each and every day.”
In addition, GameChanger Charity has announced that Mark Lamia, Chairman and former Studio Head of Treyarch, an award-winning development studio in the Call of Duty® franchise, has joined GameChanger Charity’s board of directors. This is the latest creative addition to the board, which includes massively popular YouTuber Jordan Maron, also known as CaptainSparklez.
“Ever since I learned about GameChanger’s mission, I have been inspired by their work to join their calling, which proves the power that human connection and play can have for those facing the unthinkable,” said Lamia. “Today I’m honored to join the passionate people who have made this force for good possible, as we look forward to the next decade of gaming and giving.”
GameChanger Charity is also proud to reveal a new venture called ZOTT (www.zott.tv), a private, for-profit subsidiary of GameChanger Charity created to advance its mission to improve the lives of patients around the world through technology and innovation. ZOTT is an over-the-top (OTT), multi-channel media distribution platform with a network of highly curated entertainment and educational content services for patients and administrators in hospitals. ZOTT has appointed Jonathan Shipman, a founding member and former executive vice president of broadcaster product development and video platform technologies at Twitch, as the company’s new president.
“I know from my own son’s experience the positive impact meaningful opportunities to play, learn and socialize can have for those fighting through a life-threatening illness and the ensuing recovery, especially at a young age,” said Shipman. “ZOTT is a new leap forward in patient engagement and support, with the power to scale GameChanger’s founding mission for socioeconomic good upward around the world. You’ll be hearing a lot more from us in the coming year.”
ZOTT is currently in pilot programs at a number of prominent pediatric facilities around the United States, including Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. ZOTT has also partnered with the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado to measure the platform’s impact on patients in a wide range of developmental and rehabilitative categories as it grows further.
About GameChanger Charity
GameChanger Charity’s mission is to leverage innovation and technology to empower patients to play, learn, and socialize. Taylor Carol co-founded GameChanger Charity with his father, Jim Carol, in 2007 after his own experience with childhood leukemia. GameChanger has delivered programs to over 100 hospitals and 25,000 pediatric hospital rooms in the past four years alone. https://gamechangercharity.org
Related: Six Charities Provide QuakeCon 2017 Attendees Unique Ways to Give Back
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