UCLA Resident Created Cancer Game for Pediatric Patients
A new board game helps children in Los Angeles navigate cancer treatment through collaborative, non-competitive play.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cancer
Tae-León Butler, a graduate of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, developed a board game called Cancer Crusher to help pediatric patients understand their treatment process. The game is currently being evaluated in a pilot study for children ages 6 to 12.
Why it matters
The game was designed to help children express their emotions and feel empowered while facing health challenges. By focusing on overcoming obstacles, it provides a tool for patients to communicate their experiences and navigate setbacks during their care.
A pilot study is currently evaluating the impact of the Cancer Crusher game on 30 children ages 6 to 12 and their caregivers. This initial assessment seeks to determine how the game functions as a tool for understanding cancer and its treatment.
The players
Tae-León Butler
A graduate of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and a pediatric resident who designed a game to support children undergoing cancer treatment.
The details
The game uses a collaborative design that excludes traditional winning or losing, encouraging players to work together in a Team Mode. It centers on identifying tools to help players overcome hurdles and recover from medical setbacks, mirroring the complexities of pediatric cancer treatment. Butler created the initial prototype using Adobe Illustrator, which he learned to use while attending the Windward School.
Timeline
Tae-León Butler first conceived the idea for the game in 2012.
The article reports on the game and current study in 2026.
Health Landscape
This project aligns with the growing emphasis at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine on addressing the psychological dimensions of pediatric care. It represents a shift toward incorporating therapeutic play into treatment plans to support child development during chronic illness.
Families in Los Angeles navigating a child's cancer diagnosis may want to discuss how therapeutic play and communication tools can support their child's mental well-being during treatment. Raising these options with a pediatric oncologist or child life specialist can help identify resources for coping.
The takeaway
Empowering children to articulate their feelings through play can be a meaningful part of a pediatric care plan. Families should feel encouraged to ask their medical team about evidence-based psychosocial support tools that help patients process the challenges of chronic illness.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Cancer care for pediatric patients in our database.
More information
For more details on the design and purpose of the game, read the UCLA Health game information article.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
