Recently I caught up with Jacob Lore, a Child Life Specialist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, to find out how he’s using Re-Mission 2 in his work.

HopeLab:  When did you first start to work with HopeLab?

Jacob Lore: I have been involved with HopeLab since the launch of the initial Re-Mission game years ago. I shared the original game with patients and families going through cancer treatment and referred patients to HopeLab for game development consulting on the Re-Mission 2 project.

HopeLab: What has been your experience with the new Re-Mission 2 games for cancer support so far?

Jacob Lore: I use Re-Mission 2 to assist our patients in understanding various aspects of their disease and treatment.  I am super excited to be able to play the games with patients in our clinic and hospital. Because the games can be played online and iPad, I can have patients log in using their own laptops or let them play on the iPad I use for work. From what I have seen, they really enjoy playing Re-Mission 2.  The games are easy to get into, and most patients are immediately engaged and challenged.

HopeLab: Why are the games helpful to you in your work as a Child Life Specialist?

Jacob Lore: The Re-Mission 2 games help patients understand their illness and treatments, which in turn helps me provide better care to all of our patients.  If a child understands that his or her chemotherapy treatment is fighting off the invasive cancer cells in their body though gameplay, they may be more willing to come in for their treatment sessions and be less anxious about their medical appointments.  If these games help a patient learn about their illness, reduce their anxiety, and increase the chances that they’ll take their medications, then Re-Mission 2 is providing me with more time in the day to work with some of the other patients who may be having trouble with these issues.

More importantly, these games are providing a positive learning experience for patients going through very difficult medical treatments. In my experience, Re-Mission 2, used alongside diagnostic and procedural teaching sessions, helps reduce patient anxiety and increase patient understanding of their illness and treatments.

HopeLab: We’ve heard you have some creative ideas about how to use the games with your patients.  Can you tell us about that?

Jacob Lore:  Yes! I am hoping to implement a Re-Mission 2 game progress chart – almost like a leaderboard but less competitive – in the clinic waiting area so that patients can document the level they have reached on each of the Re-Mission 2 games.  I’m hoping this will provide the patients with an opportunity to share their accomplishments, help them connect with others playing the games, and give them something to look forward to when they come to the hospital for treatment.

HopeLab: Awesome idea! Thank you, Jake, for all you do for young people fighting cancer and for your feedback on Re-Mission 2.

If you are a medical professional working with young cancer patients, we hope www.re-mission2.org games can support you and your patients in the fight against cancer.

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Watch this clip to see what OMG 2013 attendees had to say about Re-Mission 2:

As you can see, people at the event were courageous and open, ready to connect and share their thoughts on Re-Mission 2 and their experiences fighting cancer.  For me, listening to their stories was a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and human resilience. And it was rewarding to hear folks say over and over again: “I wish I had these games when I was going through my treatment!”

Some people we met were new to the Re-Mission games concept, but many members of the Stupid Cancer community were no strangers to the original Re-Mission game released by HopeLab in 2006. My colleagues also got to re-connect with some of the young adults who helped create theRe-Mission 2 games while they undergoing cancer treatment.  There was a lot of conversation and gameplay as people had fun catching up!

The OMG 2013 Stupid Cancer Summit was one of the most meaningful conferences that I’ve ever experienced. Special thanks to the founder of Stupid Cancer, Matthew Zachary, and his team for creating such a personal, real, joyful and life-inspiring experience for all of us fortunate enough to be involved.

The event both inspired us in our work to get Re-Mission 2 to young people fighting cancer and served as a powerful reminder for all of us to appreciate life and to get busy living!…

Re-Mission 2: Stem Cell Defender has you battling against invading bacteria while protecting healthy stem cells. In this clip, see how the nanobot hero flings those bacteria to feed the nest of growing stem cells and make them strong. Toward the end, when the bacteria start coming in greater numbers, the nanobot brings in the heavy weapons: powerful antibiotic bombs to help even the odds.

What’s the point of all this action? When fighting cancer, protecting the body’s natural defenses – like stem cells and white blood cells – is critically important. Stem Cell Defender lets players experience how battling bacteria and supporting healthy cells helps to defeat cancer.

Enough backstory – play now and see for yourself!…

Here’s how the contest works: Go to our Facebook page and check out the screenshot from one of the Re-Mission 2 games, then post a phrase or sentence that describes the image in the comments section of the post.

A week after the image is posted, we’ll pick a winning screenshot caption. (Hint: We really like smart, observant or just plain silly comments that make us LOL.) The winner will receive our gratitude, official and eternal HopeLab Facebook fame, and some official Re-Mission 2 SWAG (you know you want some!).

Have fun and be awesome!

Not sure what Re-Mission 2 is? Check it out here to learn more and play!…