Inspire 2025 ANNUAL DONOR REPORT
Kapiʻolani: Making the Virtual a Reality
A rendering of what a future Teen Room at Kapi‘olani may look like.
The teenage years come with a lot of changes: growing taller. getting stronger, newfound emotions and opinions, and a longing for independence. The rapid physical and emotional growth can be difficult to navigate. It can be even more challenging when you’re in a hospital. That’s why GameChanger Charity is stepping up to give teens a special space at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children.
Kapi‘olani is creating its first-ever dedicated Teen Room where teenage patients can feel at home. They’ll be able to play video games, use laptops, design apparel and water bottles, and create 3D-printed projects. The room will also allow teenagers to do what they may want to do most – hang out.
“Teens are often the hardest patients to reach because they're caught between childhood and adulthood,” said Jim Carol, GameChanger Charity chairman and CEO. “When teens feel seen and respected, they're more likely to open up and find moments of normalcy.”
Jim knows how challenging long hospital stays are for pediatric patients. His son Taylor battled a rare form of leukemia when he was just 11 years old. For five years, the family spent countless days and nights in mainland hospitals. During the most difficult times, there was one thing Taylor wanted to do: play video games. It provided a distraction from treatment and allowed him to connect with friends. Taylor’s experience inspired Jim to create his charity, which works to bring gaming to hospitals across the world.
Jim Carol, GameChanger Charity chairman and CEO, in 2006 with his son Taylor, who was undergoing cancer treatment.
“When a child's playing, they're not just passing time, they're engaging their imagination, reducing stress and giving their mind a break from pain or fear,” Jim said. “Those moments of focus and joy can lower anxiety, helping a kid feel like themself again.”
GameChanger Charity is the lead donor among several partners that are bringing the Teen Room into reality. It will be located near the Playroom, where Kapi‘olani’s Child Life team helps kids forget they’re in a hospital with fun activities or arts and crafts. Child Life specialists also work closely with older patients, so they know what they enjoy. For example, the Teen Room will have a 3D printer so teenagers can create everything from fidget spinners and sensory toys to adaptive devices.
Video games are one of the most popular activities for teenage patients at Kapi‘olani.
“We’re grateful for the support to build a one-of-a-kind space,” said Kelsie Ardo, Kapi‘olani Child Life supervisor. “This will be more than a game room for our teenage patients. It will serve the important role of promoting social well-being, which is critical to emotional development.”
GameChanger Charity has supported Kapi‘olani for more than a decade. It’s a partnership that is likely to continue for many more years.
“Kapi‘olani holds a special place in Hawai‘i and in the lives of so many families,” Jim said. “Supporting Kapi‘olani means supporting not just one hospital, but an entire community of families who rely on it.”