In recent weeks, Netflix staff members came together in multiple locations over a two-day period to support Extra Life, an organization dedicated to helping gamers contribute to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Extra Life began its mission in 2008 with a unique fundraising approach: participants commit to a gaming marathon—whether digital or tabletop—and solicit donations from their personal networks to back their participation. Think of it as sponsorship for an athletic event, but with considerably more entertainment value. All proceeds benefit 170 pediatric medical centers throughout North America, with each facility determining how best to allocate the funds. To date, the organization has successfully generated over $50 million for the 10 million young patients it supports.
The initiative at Netflix traces back to Brian Moyles, a software engineer who has been with the company for eight years at its Los Gatos headquarters. He launched the company's inaugural Extra Life campaign in 2016, motivated by a personal medical crisis his family faced the previous year. His infant daughter Abigail, just seven months old at the time, received an unexpected diagnosis of a cardiac rhythm condition requiring sedation and connection to a heart bypass system.
Abigail's treatment required a two-month stay in Stanford Children's Hospital's intensive care unit. During this period, complications arose when her vocal cords became paralyzed, necessitating nutrition through a gastric tube. Even after discharge, she continued tube feeding at home, and her complete recovery took several additional months. "Four years have passed since then, and her health has remained stable," Moyles shares.
The experience left an indelible mark on the entire family. "That period represents the most challenging chapter of my life thus far," Moyles reflects. "Despite our own struggles, my wife and I found ourselves among countless other distressed parents whose children faced comparable or even graver situations with less certain outcomes. It fundamentally transformed us—how we relate to each other, how we connect with our children, our extended family, our friends, and our perspective on the world at large."200000
When tragedy struck their family, Danielle found her calling in nursing. Her husband, Moyles, discovered his own path to making a difference by bringing Extra Life to Netflix—a decision made possible by the company's distinctive workplace philosophy. According to Moyles, Netflix stands apart from previous employers by offering remarkable freedom and independence, balanced with expectations of accountability and trust.
During its inaugural year, the dedicated team of volunteers surpassed their $5,000 target—bolstered significantly by Netflix's program that matches employee donations. Almost immediately, conversations began about organizing a follow-up event. Moyles recalls that the enthusiasm and energy following that first gathering convinced him this initiative could evolve into something truly meaningful and lasting.
Extra Life has since established itself as a yearly tradition within Netflix, expanding in both participation and impact. Fundraising achievements have climbed impressively, from over $25,000 in the previous year to $32,000 in the current cycle. The initiative has broadened its reach beyond Netflix staff to welcome their loved ones and friends. The 2019 gathering attracted approximately 100 participants, including employees and their personal networks.
The most significant development came with establishing events in two additional locations: Los Angeles and Salt Lake City offices. While Moyles acknowledges that expanding across different regions presented distinct obstacles, he found invaluable support from coworkers in both cities who enthusiastically stepped up to help.
Before the main event commenced, a group of Extra Life participants from Netflix's Salt Lake City location made a meaningful trip to nearby Primary Children's Hospital, witnessing firsthand how their fundraising efforts translate into real-world impact.
The Los Gatos Extra Life gathering took place on November 9th, marking another milestone in Netflix's ongoing commitment to this charitable cause.From left to right in the photograph: Daniel Jepperson, Austin Smith, Griffin Johnson, and Gregory Montague stand alongside Julia Saxton, positioned at center, representing Primary Children's Hospital. Research analyst Austin Smith emphasized the profound significance of their efforts: "The work happening here genuinely transforms lives in meaningful ways. Every one of us considers ourselves fortunate to participate in this initiative. Our sincere wish is that our fundraising event and financial support will help alleviate suffering during someone's most challenging moments." Reflecting the gaming-focused nature of Extra Life's mission, Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City allocated its 2018 Extra Life funds toward equipping each patient room with an Xbox One X console. This technology enables young patients to connect and play together through a secure private network, maintaining social connections even when medical conditions require isolation. Julia Saxton, who serves as Children's Miracle Network Program Director at Primary Children's Hospital, expressed deep appreciation: "When organizations like Netflix support CMN Hospitals, it proves invaluable to achieving our mission objectives. Beyond the monetary contribution itself, what matters equally is the powerful message of solidarity it sends to young patients and their families throughout our communities." Beyond the charitable impact, Moyles notes that organizing Extra Life events has fostered meaningful professional relationships across Netflix's various departments and geographic locations. "The planning demands considerable effort, but the experience proves incredibly rewarding," he explains. 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