Born in 2001
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American
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Solution created 2011-2013
Zachary Rice
Problem Background
Zachary and his parents later discovered that he had a bone degenerating disease at age nine. As a result, Zachary had three hip surgeries, and he was in severe pain. So his dad brought his PlayStation 3 to the Hospital so Zachary could play video games and distract himself from his pain.
Solution Background
Zachary realized that playing video games distracted him from his pain. He wanted to help other kids in the Goryeb Children’s Hospital, so he started the “Action for Distraction 5K Fun Run”. The Action for Distraction 5K Fun Run is a 5-kilometer run to raise money for hospitalized children in Morris Town, New Jersey. In their first seven races, they raised over $150,000. Zachary donated the money to buy a game system for every room in the Goryeb Children’s Hospital as well as art and music therapy programs helping over 200,000 children. On May 9, 2020, Zachary even had a virtual run to keep everyone safe but still raise money for his cause.
Connections
Zachary’s idea resonates with me because playing video games after my three arm surgeries eased my pain too.
Citations
Montgomery, Robert. “10 Young Changemakers Stand up, Inspire Others to Be Fearless and
Kind.” Points of Light, 23 Feb. 2017,
www.pointsoflight.org/blog/10-young-changemakers-stand-inspire-others-be-fea
rless-and-kind/.
“Teen Zachary Rice Provides Video Games to Pediatric Patients.” Teen Zachary Rice
Provides Video Games to Pediatric Patients, 27 Sept. 2016,
steveadubato.org/teen-zachary-rice-provides-video-games-to-pediatric-patients.html.
Star-Ledger, Christina Giannantonio. “Prudential Honors Student Volunteers.” Nj, 8 May
2016, www.nj.com/morris/2016/05/prudential_honors_student_volunteers.html.
Rice, Zachary. Zach Letter 2013pdf - Cimpress. 24 Jan. 2013,
uploads.documents.cimpress.io/v1/uploads/64fd5b51-9200-44aa-984d-93024b17
6265~110/original?tenant=vbu-digital.