Teens Play in Video Game Marathon to Help MS Research

By Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Dec 30, 2009 at 11:00 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 30, 2009 at 11:00 PM CST

MONTICELLO - Most parents don't like it when their children spend hours in front of the TV playing video games. But some moms and dads in Monticello are making an exception for a day.

The city council chambers in Monticello successfully transitions into a temporary music venue, thanks to two local teenagers.

Dillon Stockman is the guy playing the guitar. Christopher Dircks is hitting the drums. These high school seniors are hosting a music video game marathon.

For 24 hours, Stockman, Dircks, and more than a dozen friends are playing Rock Band and Guitar Hero.

Someone is sitting or standing in front of the TV screen non-stop.

The teenagers admit many people have called them crazy, especially since this is the second year for their "24 Hours of Rock."

But they think otherwise. The reason behind this music marathon is close to Dillon's heart. "I do this for my mother. She was diagnosed five years ago with Multiple Sclerosis, and in that time, I have seen her go from full mobility to needing a wheelchair to get outside the house. I just really want to help in anyway I can."

The two friends are using their love for video music games to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Last year they raised $2,500 dollars, this year the goal is $10,000.

Local businesses, people in town, and even strangers are donating money to these teenagers for playing video games for hours.

But the lack of sleep is worth it to these teenagers if they can help people like Dillon's mom.

The teenagers admit their fundraising goals are a bit high. Last year, they fell about $700 dollars short.

So far this year, they've only raised about $1,700 of their $10,000 dollar goal. But they will be taking donations until the end of January.

To learn more about the effort, click here.

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