Generation Cures from Children`s Hospital Boston Launches Nation`s First Online Game-a-thon to Raise Funds for Pediatric Research

Tweens Use Technology, Fun and Games to Fight Childhood Diseases and Make the
World a Better Place for Other Kids
BOSTON--(Business Wire)--
Today Children`s Hospital Boston`s Generation Cures movement,
(www.generationcures.kid.org), where kids change the world through fun and
games, launched the country`s first "Game for Good" game-a-thon. The
groundbreaking two-month competition lets tweens use their gaming powers for
good to fuel the discovery of cures and treatments for serious childhood
diseases.

As more and more kids turn to the Web to make a difference, the Generation Cures
"Game for Good/Make it Better" (g4gmib) Challenge
(http://kids.generationcures.org/g4g) puts tweens in the giving driver`s seat.
Just like they do in traditional fundraising initiatives like walk-a-thons, kids
raise money by securing sponsors to reward their efforts in support of a good
cause. However, with the game-a-thon model, kids can change the world right from
their own homes as adult sponsors support their progress in an
educational-adventure game on the Generation Cures site. While they have fun and
learn, tweens are making a big difference for peers who are facing serious
health issues.

"This initiative is novel because kids can help other kids on their own terms,"
said Jan Cady, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Children`s Hospital Boston. "Knowing
tweens love to play games, we designed an interactive adventure that teaches
young people about the power of giving and the science of medicine. The result
is a fantastic game called Caduceus that not only inspires kids to change the
world; it lets them actually do it."

From Virtual Cures to Real-World Breakthroughs

The Caduceusgame transports kids to a virtual world where they take on the role
of young healers tracking down the source of a mysterious plague. As they solve
scientific puzzles, tweens experience the same hurdles that real doctors and
scientists face in their work. They are challenged to track down the source of
the disease, isolate its causes and mix and match ingredients to find a cure.

As kids conquer each of the game levels, portions of their sponsors` pledges are
unlocked and donated to Children`s Hospital Boston. If they complete all five,
they cure the virtual plague, earn the title "Master Healer" and win the full
donation amount to advance real-world cures for kids. All funds raised go
directly to research to find cures and treatments for debilitating childhood
illnesses including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Kids can enter the Generation Cures Game for Good challenge by registering for
free on the Generation Cures site (www.kids.generationcures.org). Once
registered, kids can reach out to parents, relatives and family friends, asking
them to sponsor their game play by making a "Game for Good" pledge of any dollar
amount.

"I play on Generation Cures because I love interactive games and these are
awesome, plus I`m helping to do something good for sick kids," said Siobhan, a
fifth grader in Massachusetts. "My mom has sponsored me, so I know that with
each new game level I reach, part of her donation goes to Generation Cures. The
games are really hard, but it`s a cool way to make a difference so I really want
to finish all five levels."

In addition to the interactive Caduceus game, the Generation Cures website
features an animated cartoon series about a high school rock band that makes a
difference through music and moving kid-directed videos filmed by former
patients of Children`s Hospital Boston.

The Generation Cures Game for Good competition kicks off today and runs through
June 14, 2009. For more information, visit www.kids.generationcures.org.

About Generation Cures (www.generationcures.org)

Generation Cures from Children`s Hospital Boston empowers kids to cure kids
through fun and games. This award-winning movement engages tweens to change the
world on their own terms - through digital media, "game for good" challenges and
kid-led hospital fundraising initiatives. Every element of Generation Cures
inspires children to care about others, believe they can make a difference and
mobilize their families to help find cures for the world`s most debilitating
childhood diseases.

About Children`s Hospital Boston (www.childrenshospital.org)

Children`s Hospital Boston is a leading source of life-saving treatments,
groundbreaking research and compassionate care for children in New England and
worldwide. In its annual "America`s Best Hospitals" issue, U.S. News and World
Report has rated Children`s Hospital Boston one of the top two children`s
hospitals for 19 consecutive years. Children`s Hospital Boston has the largest
and most active research program at a children`s medical center.

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CXO Communication
Julie Murphy, 617-756-8611
Julie@cxocommunication.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009