When it comes to storytelling inside of virtual reality, there is still a lot of uncharted territory. VR has been used for countless purposes, but Facebook might have hit the jackpot with the potential healing that virtual reality can provide. Yesterday on Giving Tuesday, both Oculus and Facebook announced their partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, BBDO, and Flight School for a VR experience in honor of St. Jude and all of the work they do for children and for families.
This was inspired by the bravery and resilience of the children that are faced with the battle of cancer. The St. Jude Hall of Heroes’ experience introduces the viewers into some patients styled as superheroes with a memorial statue. Each statued superhero child has a story, and each family tells that story inside of virtual reality. This is not only a celebration of life, but also helping spread awareness of young children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Anyone and everyone can watch this experience today inside of VR on Facebook, and it will also be available for demo at select Best Buys across the United States. It is also going to be coming to the Oculus Platform early next year, for both the Oculus Quest and Rift platforms.
“The rapid acceleration of VR technology allows for the exciting reimagination of the way we tell stories, connect with communities, raise funds, and drive fundamental change,” says Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “For the past 50 years, the modernization of science and research technologies have enabled St. Jude to fund and advance cures for pediatric life-threatening diseases. St. Jude Hall of Heroes is inspired by that spirit of leading-edge change and puts the focus on the real heroes among us, our brave St. Jude patients.”
This isn’t the first time that St. Jude is working with VR to bring patients some joy. The hospital also has No More Chemo parties for patients that are going to be sent home. Those are done inside of virtual reality, as the doctors, nurses, and the entire staff has a singalong with the patient as they are showered in confetti and balloons. Hall of Heroes is also going to help bring in more donations during the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign. If you are looking to help those in need, and join a No More Chemo VR party, donating would go a long way.
As a VR community, we need to realize how much our technology can be used for, and it’s not just gaming. Knowing how to help others with your specialties is one of the best things you can do, regardless of your profession. We hope to see more projects like this finished in the future. For more VR news and community updates, make sure to check back at VRGear.com
