That Dragon, Cancer

The story of Joel Green’s battle with cancer.

At night, my mother begins her journey to Bethlehem.

She arrives at the hospice at 8:30pm, and will arrive home 8:30am the next morning.

Working as a palliative care nurse, she has comforted thousands of mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters who have taken their last few breaths before departing this world.

I have heard many stories throughout my childhood and teenage years of those who have passed away in her care, and the families left behind. She made sure their loved ones were cared for and nurtured until their time was up. For many of these families, she was the only one present who they could lean on for support.

On January 12th, a new video game called ‘That Dragon, Cancer’ was released. Created by Ryan Green and written with his wife Amy Green, the story follows their son Joel who fought against cancer over four years. Sitting down with my mum, we began the journey through Joel’s life.

Personally, I have played many games throughout my teenage years. From first-person shooters to strategy and open-world adventures many of these games have undoubtedly had an impact on me.

On the other hand, Mum’s experience with video games doesn’t reach much further then telling me to get back to studying. They were meaningless time-wasters that were draining on the mind. This would be the first game she had ever played, and also the first time we sat down to experience a game together.

That Dragon, Cancer is an emotional roller coaster. From the very start you land in a serene park with whimsical music setting up a family scene. Your sole focus is on Joel, a young boy throwing bread into the pond where you are a duck slowly swimming closer while listening in to a family conversation. But soon enough, the bright colors are disturbed by deformed black spheres with tentacles. The dragon has arrived, and young Joel is lying on a hospital bed.

Sitting in the chair with Joel in our arms, the bright neon liquid that is chemotherapy flows into his small body. Ryan and Amy are hoping for the best, but soon enough you are placed in a consultation room with the doctor confirming the worst.

The chemotherapy has failed. It’s a tragedy.

What follows is a spiritual journey, exploring feelings of insignificance and the hope that a miracle might just occur and save Joel’s life. Unfortunately, as you press the keys of a piano to hear the prayers said by Ryan and Amy, nothing can save their son. Joel passed away in March of 2014.

With tears of pure sadness and then of joy, this video game has a profound impact on those who venture through the story of the Green family and their son, Joel.

As the credits roll, Mum turns and looks me in the eyes. ‘That was tragic,’ she said while reflecting over the video game she had just played. After taking a moment and looking back at the screen displaying a photo of Joel, she simply describes it as a ‘fascinating journey through life’.

For someone who witnesses people passing away almost every day of her life, she knows too well the different ways people cope with the loss of someone they loved so dearly. By sharing the story of Joel, Ryan and Amy have made a beautiful tribute to their son who, although is no longer with us, remains in the minds of many.

‘Thank you’, my mum says before hugging me and going to bed.

You can read more about ‘That Dragon, Cancer’ and purchase the game here — www.thatdragoncancer.com.