Spotlight on the UM HITS Extra Life Team Supporting University of Michigan Health – Sparrow

We’re constantly inspired by the creativity and dedication of the Extra Life community. One shining example comes from UM HITS, the Health Information Technology & Services team supporting University of Michigan Health – Sparrow. What began as a small LAN party has grown into a 24-hour gaming marathon uniting more than 100 staff members each year—and raising more than $72,000 (lifetime) to support local kids and families.

We asked the UM HITS team to give more information on how their efforts began, how they’ve built such an engaged internal fundraising community, and what advice they’d offer to other hospital departments considering doing the same. Here’s what they said:

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Tell us about UM HITS and your role at Sparrow.

“Our group works within the UM Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) department, where we help support and optimize clinical and operational applications that are critical to patient care and hospital efficiency. Our roles involve collaborating across departments to ensure systems are running smoothly, implementing new solutions, and continually improving workflows to better serve both staff and patients.”

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How did you get started participating in Extra Life? What motivates you to continue each year?

“Our journey with Extra Life began with a small but passionate group at University of Michigan Health – Sparrow who wanted to make a difference for our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. We organized a modest event to raise funds—just a dozen people gathered to play games and do some good.

Since then, that handful of people has grown into a vibrant community of more than 100 participants who come together each year for a full 24-hour gaming marathon. What keeps us coming back is simple: the impact we’re able to make for children and families in our community, and the sense of unity and purpose it brings to our team.”

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What does your team do to fundraise for Extra Life?

“Each year, we host a high-energy, in-person LAN event filled with gaming competitions and opportunities to connect. Leading up to Game Day, our team members also get creative with personal fundraising—dying their hair wild colors, running custom Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, crafting friendship bracelets, and more. These individual touches not only raise money but build excitement and deepen our connection to the cause.”

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What value does participating in Extra Life add to your team culture?

“Extra Life has truly become part of who we are as a team. It brings departments together, strengthens relationships, and encourages open communication. This year, we expanded our efforts to include colleagues at University of Michigan Health – West, extending the event into the Grand Rapids area. Seeing both teams rally around the same mission has been energizing—it reminds us that shared purpose builds strong communities.”

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If a department at another hospital was wondering if they should start an Extra Life team, what would you tell them?

“Absolutely—go for it! You don’t need a huge group to get started. Begin with a few enthusiastic people, host a simple board game night, and grow from there. Keep it fun and approachable, and momentum will naturally follow. Once people see the difference they can make for kids and families in their own community, everything else clicks into place.”

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Here’s some pictures from the event:

Thank you to the Extra Life community over at UMHSparrow and Stacie Peltomaa for giving us information and teaching others to follow their lead!