Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins Hosts 24-Hour Fundraiser for Melanoma Awareness

Renowned Fortnite streamer Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins is set to host a significant 24-hour gaming fundraiser aimed at raising awareness for melanoma on September 19, 2024. The event, titled Gaming For Cause, seeks to utilize Ninja’s extensive global audience to highlight the critical importance of early detection in skin cancers, particularly through regular mole checks. This initiative is supported by skincare brand La Roche-Posay, culminating in a charity livestream featuring prominent content creators playing Fortnite and Marvel Rivals, all while educating viewers about melanomas, a type of skin cancer that increasingly affects a wider age demographic.

During a recent interview, Blevins emphasized the urgency of melanoma awareness, noting the alarming trend of rising cancer cases among younger individuals. He stated, “There are cancers that are rising in all groups, at a much younger age. Early prevention and detection is the most effective method we have.” His personal experience with cancer has made this cause particularly meaningful to him.

In March 2024, Blevins received a melanoma diagnosis, followed by a second instance of skin cancer shortly thereafter. He shared, “The first melanoma was on the bottom of my foot, and the second one was on my thigh. I always kept an eye on a mole on my right thigh that had frequent sun exposure.” His own battle with cancer fuels his passion for spreading awareness through this upcoming event.

Gaming serves as a unique platform to reach audiences who may not engage with traditional public health messaging. Blevins explained why Fortnite is an ideal choice for the fundraiser, saying, “People often call it a children’s game, but I meet fans every day in their mid-20s who have grown up with it. This game appeals to everyone, and it affects all ages.” He added that the game’s character skins align perfectly with the campaign’s central message, “Save Your Skin,” a motto of La Roche-Posay.

The use of Fortnite’s creative tools presents an opportunity to raise awareness on various public health topics. Blevins expressed hope that gaming companies, such as Epic Games, will consider partnering with charities for similar campaigns. He noted, “In a perfect world, Fortnite and other game companies could collaborate with organizations like La Roche-Posay to raise awareness and funds. But whether it’s an obligation is a more complex question.”

Despite his commitment to advocating for melanoma awareness, Blevins acknowledges that each streamer has a personal choice in how they wish to engage with their audience. He recognizes the balance between promoting important causes and providing an escapism experience for viewers. “It’s essential for streamers to support causes they care about, but I also understand that everyone deserves a space free from external pressures,” he remarked.

On the day of the Gaming For Cause event, viewers can expect appearances from medical professionals, including dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai, who will provide expert insights on melanoma detection. Throughout the livestream, Ninja and participating streamers will reinforce crucial health messages, with all donations directed to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). These funds will support free health checks through local NGOs, aiming for early detection in melanoma prevention.

Blevins encouraged viewers to actively participate by sharing the stream and spreading the word, stating, “Word of mouth is vital. Just being there and hyping it up can be as effective as making a donation, but we certainly appreciate any contribution, even $1.”

As melanoma rates continue to rise globally, the Gaming For Cause event represents a significant step in leveraging the gaming community for public health messaging. Blevins concludes with a powerful takeaway for his audience: “An hour-long appointment could save your life. That’s the core message I want everyone to remember.”

The livestream will commence on September 19 at 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST / 3:00 PM BST, available on Ninja’s YouTube and Twitch channels. For further details on how to donate and a countdown to the event, visit the Gaming For Cause website.