Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins Hosts Fundraiser for Melanoma Awareness

Renowned Fortnite streamer Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins is set to host a 24-hour gaming fundraiser on September 19, 2024, to raise awareness for melanoma. The event, titled Gaming For Cause, aims to utilize Ninja’s extensive audience to inform viewers about the importance of early detection in skin cancers, particularly through regular mole checks. This initiative is in collaboration with skincare brand La Roche-Posay, culminating in a charity livestream featuring top content creators playing Fortnite and Marvel Rivals.

The focus of the fundraiser is to educate audiences about melanomas, a type of skin cancer that affects a wider demographic than many other cancers. In a recent interview, Blevins emphasized the alarming rise of skin cancers among younger populations, stating, “There’s a lot of, unfortunately, to say this: cancers that are rising in all groups, at a much younger age. I’m not an expert by any means with this stuff, but it’s happening.”

Blevins’ connection to the cause is deeply personal. After receiving a melanoma diagnosis in March 2024, he was further diagnosed with a second instance of skin cancer. “The first melanoma was on the bottom of my foot, and the second one was on my thigh,” he shared. Living in Florida, where sun exposure is significant, Blevins acknowledged the importance of vigilance concerning skin health. He noted, “I’ve always stared at this mole on my right thigh… I gotta keep an eye on this one.”

Leveraging Gaming for Health Awareness

Gaming serves as a unique platform for reaching audiences that might otherwise be disengaged from public health messaging. Blevins explained why Fortnite is a suitable choice for the fundraiser. “Fortnite is just because it’s a, you know, people call it a children’s game, but I meet fans every single day that are in their mid-20s… These kids have grown up. They’re adults now,” he remarked. Blevins aims to challenge the misperception that Fortnite is solely for children, underscoring its appeal across various age groups.

The event will incorporate a playful theme, aligning with La Roche-Posay’s campaign slogan, “Save Your Skin.” Blevins pointed out that the connection between the game’s character skins and the campaign message creates an engaging way to encourage awareness. “There are a bunch of skins in Fortnite… it should be good,” he said, demonstrating how gaming elements can enhance health awareness.

Blevins also discussed the potential responsibility of game publishers like Epic Games to engage in charitable initiatives. While he expressed hope that such collaborations could be more common, he acknowledged the complexities involved. “It’s much more complicated than that, unfortunately,” he noted, indicating that while awareness initiatives are valuable, they must align with corporate objectives.

Engagement and Support During the Event

On the day of the event, dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai will join the livestream, providing expert advice on melanoma detection. Blevins and other streamers will reinforce these health messages throughout the 24 hours. Notably, 100% of donations collected during the livestream will support the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC). These funds will facilitate free health checks via local NGOs, aiming to promote early detection and prevention of melanoma.

Blevins highlighted the importance of viewer engagement, stating, “Word of mouth is so important, sharing the stream is so important… But of course, we would always appreciate even $1 going to help us hit our goal.” He encouraged audiences to participate actively, as their involvement can significantly impact the success of the fundraising efforts.

As melanoma rates continue to rise globally, Ninja’s initiative presents an opportunity to leverage the gaming community for a vital public health cause. He concluded with a powerful message: “An hour-long appointment could save your life. And it’s definitely worth it.” This emphasis on awareness and action could inspire viewers to prioritize their skin health.

Gaming For Cause will commence on September 19 at 10:00 EST / 7:00 PST / 15:00 BST, streaming live on Ninja’s YouTube and Twitch channels. For additional details on how to donate and to view a countdown to the event, visit the Gaming For Cause website.