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Leukaemia Patient Helps Create Chemotherapy Game

Posted by simoniker on from the better-than-star-wars dept.

jasoncart writes "Whilst trying to visualize his illness, leukaemia patient and gamer Ben Duskin came up with a concept for a video game, according to a story on Ferrago. With the help of Eric Johnston and his employers LucasArts, the PC game, whose object is '...to destroy all mutated cells and to collect the seven shields which provide protection from common side effects of chemotherapy', is now in beta and available for free download from the Make A Wish Foundation - there are also screenshots available on Ferrago. The best news of all is that Ben is now in remission."

4 of 38 comments (clear)

  1. Postive thinking. by BigZaphod · · Score: 4, Interesting

    There's a lot to be said for the power of the mind. By taking on this project he could very well have almost willed himself to get better. I'm not saying it cured him (I'm sure modern medicine did much of the work), but it could have been a factor in the remission. He gave himself a new purpose--and a very cool one, at that. Very symbolic. It could be that his mind/soul did the rest.

    --
    Hexy - a strategy game for iPhone/iPod Touch
  2. Quick! by Idolminds · · Score: 5, Funny

    Someone get terribly ill and wish for Sam & Max 2!

  3. Make A Wish Fondation by thedanc · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is just one more example of the amazing work of the Make A Wish Foundation. These people, who obviously have a worthwhile cause, are amazing at their jobs. In my opinion, the most effective way to help fight cancer (for future victims) is to fund research. But given where we're at now, the only way to help current patients to make them happy. And happiness is the entire point of Make A Wish.

    I've personally done fundraising for my local chapter (which is on the opposite coast), and I was inspired to do so after actually being a part of a wish. I'd suggest doing the same to anyone.

    While you're not off donating to eff, be sure to donate to Make A Wish. You're literally giving happiness.

  4. Re:downloaded it last night by jasoncart · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'm not sure the point of this is to create a especially impressive game - nor, to start with, create one thats very playable. Remember its only in beta, these things can be tweaked.

    The key is for the kid (Ben) to be able to say that he made a computer game... which he can now do.

    Saying that - I do agree, it is too darned difficult at the moment.