Hospital stays—especially following emergencies—can be frightening and isolating for young patients. At Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital, two teenagers who had just survived an automobile accident were facing that very challenge.

They were in separate rooms, recovering from the trauma of being hit by another driver. But thanks to Games For Love, their stay became something more than just medical care—it became a place of comfort and connection.

Using the gaming equipment provided by Games For Love, the teens were able to play together despite being in different rooms.

Katelyn Beyer, a Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor at Evanston, shared:

“What I witnessed between these two teens was a meaningful example of how play can foster connection in the midst of hardship. Despite the trauma they were facing, gaming gave them a safe and shared space to interact, support each other, and experience moments of joy and normalcy. These kinds of interactions make a lasting emotional difference during hospitalization.

Across our sites, I’ve seen how gaming consoles, including Nintendo Switches, Xboxes, and PlayStations, support coping, reduce stress and perceived pain, and create meaningful opportunities for peer interaction. The resources your organization has provided are truly helping our patients emotionally heal during some of their most difficult moments.”

For Nathan Blair, CEO and Founder of Games For Love, this story captures the very heart of the mission:

“The mental health of young patients is one of the focal points of our charity. Our team is constantly looking for ways we can improve and facilitate distraction therapy in hospitals and other care facilities. The heartwarming story of the Evanston teens is one of hundreds of stories our team consistently hears. This is why we continue to work so hard at what we do.”

Evanston Hospital’s pediatric unit works closely with its Child Life team to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children during their hospital stay. As part of the larger Endeavor Health system—which serves over 1.3 million patients across the Chicago area—this partnership is making a tangible difference for young people in crisis.

The Child Life team expressed its gratitude:

“Thank you again for your continued support and partnership. We’re so grateful to be part of this shared mission that Games For Love provides to our patients.”