ABOUT BEN'S WISH
Ben Duskin, nine years old, is in remission from Leukemia. Throughout his course of treatment, Ben played computer games and began to think about the need to have something positive to help others kids battle their illnesses. Ben’s wish was to design a video game that would be helpful for kids like him who have cancer, a way to fight back and relieve some of the pain and stress involved with treatment. “The initial response was overwhelmingly pessimistic” said Patricia Wilson, Executive Director. “People told us this venture was nearly impossible without taking several years and literally millions of dollars.” A hero stepped forward: Eric Johnston, and his employer LucasArts fully supported his efforts. Not only did Eric want to make Ben's wish a reality, he planned to involve Ben in every step of the process. For months, Ben and Eric have been meeting on a regular basis to make the game just as Ben envisioned it.
Wilson added, “Eric and Ben achieved the impossible! Ben’s wish is inspiring, because it was selfless and – Ben is a philanthropist. Finding an angel like Eric Johnston was a miracle, and having the support of UCSF and his medical team was invaluable.”
Ben’s own physician, Dr. Seymour Zoger of UCSF Children’s Hospital served as a medical advisor for the game. USCF Children’s Hospital will serve as the first medical facility to install the game for its pediatric patients. “The science for Ben's game came largely from what Ben learned himself in the course of treatment” said Dr. Zoger.
ABOUT BEN'S GAME
The object of the game is to destroy all mutated cells and to collect the seven shields that provide protection from common side effects of chemotherapy. The shields are guarded by a “monster”:
• Colds - Iceman Monster
• Barf – Robarf Monster
• Chicken Pox –Big Chicken Monster
• Fever - Firemonster
• Bleeding – Vamp Monster
• Hair Loss – Qball Monster
• Rash – Tornado Monster
Three health levels serve as ammunition in the game:
• Health you get from the hospital
• Ammo you get from the pharmacy
• Attitude you get from home
ABOUT BETA 4 VERSION OF BEN'S GAME
Beta 4 is ready! (5/25/04)New features include:
•Auto-save to allow you to continue where you left off!
•More power at close range for the Sword!
•New triple-power shots for all weapons! Look out, they're crazy.
•Updated on-line instructions.
•A few bug fixes, thanks to you!
Have fun! Ben and Eric
