Teen creates cancer card game to help kids learn
Seventeen year old Daniel Zhang created a new card game in San Diego to help children understand cancer treatments.
Zhang began making the game after watching his own grandmother struggle with stage three pancreatic cancer when he was nine. He wanted to explain complex medical reports to his younger sister who also faced a difficult diagnosis at home.
The students designed Tumor Tactics with the help of their friends and family members who have medical knowledge or experience. They researched information from major cancer organizations to ensure every fact inside the game cards remains scientifically accurate.
Educational workshops now take place in public schools where students from kindergarten through eighth grade play the interactive game. Volunteers guide younger children while older students help peers learn about different treatment options and potential side effects.
Creators continue seeking feedback from healthcare professionals at major hospitals to improve the game for children affected by illness. They have gone through nearly twenty different versions while trying to balance fun gameplay with serious medical facts.