Wrightsville Beach, N.C. ... Cody Thompson begins his his first step of a 2,700 mile trek at Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, March 10. Cody is making this epic journey to raise money for Child's Play, a charity founded by video gamers that helps children in hospitals around the world through the donation of toys and games. The charity raised more than $4.5M last year through the effort and generosity of the video game industry, gamers, and the power of play. Cody, a video gamer himself, intends to demonstrate that, despite negative press and stereotypes, gamers can and do have a positive impact.      

When asked how he will walk across the United States, Cody D. Thompson, 36, of Reston, Virginia, answered, "One step at a time, carrying a lot of water!" 

 

As a child recovering from eye surgery, Cody played his first video game at the direction of his doctor, to strengthen his eyes. At the time, however, Cody just knew the games were a welcome distraction from his medical procedure. He wants to extend that benefit, through Child's Play, to other children.

 

He is also walking as a means to self-discovery. When asked what that means Cody smiled and replied, "I am not sure, ask me when I am done."

 

Cody intends to complete his quest on the beach in Redondo Beach, California in seven to eight months. His first plan had been to take US 40 across the country, but walking on interstates is illegal. "There are plenty of roads that mirror US 40 and I will be trekking these. I will start in Wrightsville Beach, and end in California at Redondo Beach, where I shall fall into the water in truly dramatic fashion." 

 

Cities and towns on the route include: Wrightsville Beach, NC; Asheville, NC; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Albuquerque, NM; Flagstaff, AZ; Disneyland, CA; Redondo Beach, CA.

 

Walkers can join Cody Sunday, 11:45 a.m., at Blockade Runner Beach Resort, and walk the Wrightsville Beach "Loop" segment of the trip. Cody's adventures will be posted on his website: walkinggamer.com. He intends to update the site with blog posts, photos, and videos as often as possible. 

 

Contact information:

 

Cody D. Thompson 
Phone: (703) 347-1758 
Email: thompson.codyd@gmail.com

 

www.childsplaycharity.org 

 

Elika Naraghi 
Phone: (703) 347-1756 
Email: elikamn@gmail.com

 

Jason St. Clair, Blockade Runner Beach Resort 
(910) 256-7115

 

Robert B Butler, Public Relations

Raleigh | Wilmington | North Carolina

www.RBButler.com

www.ncPressRelease.com