Teenager Vincent created a diabetes education game on Roblox to help children understand and manage the condition, inspired by his younger brother's diagnosis.
When Vincent's younger brother Jerome was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven, it sent shockwaves through their family.
Adjusting to a new routine filled with medical appointments, dietary restrictions, and constant blood sugar monitoring was challenging for everyone. Yet, for Vincent, who was only two and a half years older, it was particularly tough.
As Vincent's mother Fiona recalled:
"We used to go wild camping and considered moving to the Hebrides, but after the diagnosis, our entire lifestyle changed."
However, Vincent transformed this challenging experience into an educational opportunity. As part of his personal project for school, he developed a game on Roblox aimed at educating children about diabetes.
Recognising that young children, especially those who cannot yet read, are more engaged with interactive platforms, Vincent designed a game that could teach kids about diabetes management in an engaging way.
"Most people are diagnosed when they're young, and it's overwhelming to learn from books and pamphlets," Vincent said. "But kids today engage with computer games, and Roblox is a platform many are familiar with."
Creating the game was no small feat for Vincent, who had little experience in game design before this project. He taught himself how to use the software and incorporated his personal experiences and knowledge gained from professionals and diabetes courses to create meaningful and educational content within the game.
"The game includes questions and challenges tailored for siblings and classmates of children with diabetes," Vincent explained. "I wanted it to be something that anyone could play and learn from, whether they have a direct connection to diabetes or not."
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Although Vincent has yet to receive his official grade, initial feedback from his school has been enthusiastic. Additionally, the game has garnered attention and praise on social media platforms and from diabetes support groups.
"We shared it on Facebook groups for families dealing with diabetes, and the feedback has been wonderful," said Fiona.
The game has seen around 300 downloads so far, a significant achievement for a project developed by a teenager with no prior experience. Roblox reports the number of players, and seeing the game reach so many people is incredible.
The journey has been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Vincent and his family.
"Vincent never showed any jealousy or complained about the changes in our lives," Fiona said. "When he had the chance to create something for his project, he thought about helping his brother's friends understand diabetes better. We're incredibly proud of him.
For families dealing with diabetes, Vincent's advice is simple yet profound:
"It takes a while to get used to, but perseverance is key. Eventually, managing diabetes becomes second nature."
Vincent's game stands as a beacon of hope and a tool for education, proving that through creativity and determination, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for learning and connection.
If you want to try Vincent's game, it can be found on Roblox. For those unfamiliar with the platform, Roblox allows users to create and share games. Vincent's game can be accessed here which leads users straight to his educational game about diabetes.
As the family continues to navigate life with diabetes, Vincent's initiative serves as a reminder of the strength and innovation that can emerge from adversity. His project not only educates but also connects families facing similar challenges, fostering a supportive community through the power of gaming.
