From Diagnosis to Design: How One Schechter Parent is Leveling Up Diabetes Education Through Gaming
When Sam’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, he found himself thrown into a world of overwhelming information, medical jargon, and a less-than-ideal onboarding process. “It was objectively terrible,” Sam recalls. “I was determined that no other parent or newly-diagnosed T1D should have to go through that experience again.”
So Sam did what any game designer with a neuroscience background and a deep love for his daughter would do: he built a game.
The result is Level One, a thumb-powered adventure that challenges players to manage blood sugar while navigating everyday life—eating, exercising, getting sick, and even sneaking snacks. Every scenario is inspired by his daughter’s real experiences, including her favorite foods and her love of basketball. “She’s been involved from day one,” Sam shares. “She’s a big fan and a total champion.”
The goal? More than just entertainment.
“I want players to walk away with confidence, reduced stress, and a mental model for managing this disease,” Sam explains.
Early reviews suggest he’s already succeeded—stories have poured in from newly diagnosed kids playing the game in hospital ERs, longtime diabetics learning new skills, and parents feeling a sense of relief they never thought possible.
Sam and his wife, both generous donors to Schechter, have also supported our school community in other meaningful ways—like funding the kiln in our art studio. And throughout his daughter’s journey, the Schechter community has shown up in full force. “Schechter is 100% on top of it,” Sam says. “From the school nurses to the teachers—everyone has had our back.”
