UI Children’s Hospital receives donations from gamers through EA Sports College Football

Iowa City, Iowa – Captain Haidyn Ulrich, a 2024 Iowa Kid, adores the Hawkeyes.

She ought to, given her name, Haidyn, which is derived from Hayden Fry.

But as a child, she was battling leukemia, the struggle of her life, while her Hawkeyes were waging wars on the field.

Even though Haidyn hasn’t had cancer since 2018, she still needs to return for yearly check-ins. She claims she never had to battle alone while working at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Even during the most trying periods, they “made you feel like a family,” the woman remarked. “The worst case scenario is feeling comfortable while puking on the side of the bed. They helped you navigate various situations.

On Saturday Returning to the shadow of her former residence, Haidyn did so to watch a video game tournament organized by EA Sports College Football 25, which was benefiting the children’s hospital instead of seeking medical attention.

“It’s hard to find a better venue setup than this one at this time,” remarked Jim Leste, CEO of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “The players currently have an incredible view over Kinnick Stadium.”

Like a sponsor for a charity run, players could raise additional funds in addition to paying a registration fee.

Jill Harper of Children’s Miracle Network stated, “those funds are able to be used for the hospital’s highest needs.” “Items like food for the facility dogs program, gift cards, vouchers, and the like that you might not be able to bill for, but are necessities for the patient.”

While players were earning points, officials claim that as of Saturday, they and a number of sponsors had contributed $60,000 to the total.

Haidyn remarked, “They’re here to raise money for kids like me and they like video games.”