With All Her Hearrt: PoisonHearrt Raises $100,000 to Help Kids

Community Stories

·Nov 11th, 2026

PoisonHearrt_Charity Stream — PoisonHearrt as a baby with her mom.

If you told PoisonHearrt's younger self what impact she made possible today, she would be baffled.

She’d know, of course, how important it is to give back. Her mom instilled it in her to think about what she could do to help others through charity and volunteering. While young PoisonHearrt knew she wanted to make a difference for others, she didn’t know exactly what it would look like.

Fast forward to today and PoisonHearrt has raised over $100,000 to deliver happiness to seriously ill kids and their families across the country.

So, how did PoisonHearrt start streaming for charity to help kids?

It all started with Thomas.

Fundraising to Keep Legacies Alive & Bring Comfort

When PoisonHearrt’s oldest child was in fifth grade, a fellow student named Thomas had passed away from pediatric cancer. PoisonHearrt participated in a walk organized by the school to honor Thomas and his family, where she received a medal for her support. It became a moment near and dear to her heart.

Many years later, when she learned that Starlight supports kids living with serious illnesses including pediatric cancer, she remembered the walk in honor of Thomas. Thinking of families like his, PoisonHearrt was motivated to start fundraising for Starlight to keep his memory and others alive. Now, when she fundraises enough to deliver a Starlight Gaming Station to a hospital, it comes with a decal that says #TeamThomas2014 in his honor.

PoisonHearrt Fundraised Handheld in Memory of Thomas — The Starlight Gaming Handheld PoisonHearrt and her community fundraised in honor of Thomas, who passed away from pediatric cancer.

“I wanted there to be something soothing knowing that I’m going to keep their legacy going. I’m going to keep fundraising for the voices that can't speak up for themselves.”
- PoisonHearrt

Happiness: the Strength to Endure Hospital Days

PoisonHearrt’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, and she lived in the hospital for 48 out of the 56 days he was there. She would bring anything that could put a smile on his face, whether that was all the seasons of the TV show “Scrubs”, pistachios or beef jerky.

Poisonhearrt saw the difference happiness made for her husband’s hospital stay, and the staff did too. Every time Poisonhearrt needed to go somewhere, nurses would ask, “When are you coming back? You make him so happy.”

That’s why she understood Starlight’s mission of delivering happiness so deeply. She knew the power of happiness to keep a person motivated through a serious illness. Her husband was an adult, and it was scary to think of a child going through that experience. How much more would a child need happiness to get through each day?

That’s why PoisonHearrt works so hard to ensure all kids can have the strength happiness provides.

“Happiness really gives everyone the strength to carry on and the motivation to not go to those dark places. Helping people stay positive while giving them love, support and kindness can help them endure so much.”
- PoisonHearrt

PoisonHearrt at Starlight Charity Event for Twitch Streamers — PoisonHearrt and Cliff and Starlight staff Dominic at the TwitchCon Meetup.

Why PoisonHearrt Keeps Streaming for Starlight

PoisonHearrt’s favorite moments with Starlight is getting to know the community at meet-and-greets, like at the TwitchCon booth and Starlight meetup charity events.

“I love how the Starlight community feels more like a family,” recalls Poisonhearrt. “The staff takes time to chit-chat and get to know me. The love I feel from the Starlight community also motivates me to fundraise.”

With year-round support, check-ins and caring for her wellbeing, PoisonHearrt knows the Starlight staff genuinely cares. Another reason why she streams for Starlight each year is the variety of Twitch charity events she can participate in. With multiple campaigns, PoisonHearrt can have something fresh and new for her community. She plans to participate in Mar10 Day next year!

Can’t Stop & Won’t Stop Making a Difference

PoisonHearrt is motivated to make an impact more than ever. “I’m not going to stop fundraising and making a difference for kids,” she shared.

She understands the need – more than five million kids are hospitalized each year. Kids need your help to find happiness to endure. PoisonHearrt says it best:

“The world needs as much love and support as possible. Stay motivated, positive and help when you can. Every penny matters, so don’t let numbers get to you.”
- PoisonHearrt