Twenty years ago, Ben wished to create a video game where the goal is to fight and beat cancer. Ben was diagnosed with leukemia when he was five years old, and for his wish he wanted to help other children visualize fighting their cancer and help them cope with their treatments.

In 2003, the chapter had trouble finding anyone who would agree to develop the game within a reasonable time frame and budget. Then they were able to connect with Eric “EJ” Johnston, who was working with LucasArts as a software engineer, and agreed to spearhead the production. Ben and EJ met every week for six months, and from their collaboration came “Ben’s Game,” a computer game where the hero’s object is to destroy all cancer cells and to collect the seven shields against common side effects of chemotherapy. Each shield is guarded by a "monster"—an incarnation of one of those side effects. The game was designed so that the player character never loses or dies; they just keep fighting. Ben’s wish came true in 2004 and his game was launched as freeware on both Mac and PC in nine different languages. It was downloaded by more than 300,000 players all over the world.

On March 7, at 2024 Evening of Wishes: Birthday Bash, we looked back at this milestone wish and celebrated Ben’s other amazing milestone—20 years in remission from his leukemia. Since his wish day, Ben has earned a master’s degree in biotechnology and currently works in vaccine research in San Diego. He says his ability to help children and adults who were in his position has been a full circle experience for him.

Video produced by Whatever Digital. Thank you to F&L Media and Make-A-Wish San Diego for their support in production.