Video Game as Medicine? Kickstarter Launches Campaign to Use Gaming Technology to Help Kids With Cancer

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New game in development seeks to place patient in own body to track down cancer cells and virtually cure their disease.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - 03/03/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Kickstarter – the public-benefit crowdfunding website – today launched a project designed to help children with cancer. The proposed video game, dubbed Kate’s Crusade – the Cancer Fighting Game, seeks to raise $244,000 from backers to create an experience for patients to help them visualize their cancer cells and hunt them down with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and even experimental treatments.

“We know that visualization and imagery can help patients mentally and might even help them heal faster,” said Dr. Timothy P. Cripe, pediatric oncologist and a producer of the project. “We also know that kids and young adults immerse themselves into videogames, so why not leverage that power for their benefit?”

The game is named after an 11 year old patient of Dr. Cripe who recently passed away from a childhood cancer called rhabdomyosasrcoma. “Kate was a feisty, spunky and fun girl, and we all miss her dearly,” he said. “This game will help her spirit to live on and inspire others.” The project is endorsed by the newly formed Kate Amato Foundation.

Kickstarter gives their project creators a maximum of 60 days to raise the funds for a project. None of the pledge money is collected unless the project reaches its goal. “We want to hire the best artists to help us make the game realistic,” said Jeffrey Cripe, son of Dr. Cripe and principal coder for the game. “I can make it run, but I need help making it look great,” he said.

Anyone interested in backing this project can find it at kickstarter.com by searching for “Kate’s Crusade.”

About The Kate Amato Foundation: The Kate Amato Foundation was formed to advance childhood cancer research, through advocacy and funding of innovative, nontoxic treatments for children. Kate Amato inspired others with her joy, humor, kindness, talent, grace and strength. Kate’s Foundation will radiate her boundless spirit to inspire creativity and collaboration to find a cure.

Please direct any inquiries to The Kate Amato Foundation: Phone: 904-629-8300, Email: kateamatofoundation@gmail.com

Inquires for Dr. Cripe should be sent to timothy.cripe@yahoo.com.