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SPIKE! is a guided storytelling card game for people living with
Long COVID and ME/CFS. 

By simply playing the game, patients feel seen, meet peers and know their anonymized stories will help improve care for millions with complex chronic illnesses in the future. 

 Bring SPIKE! to Your
Community, Clinic or Hospital 

Photo of Denise Brodey Creator of Spike in Blue Jacket against a brick walll

"The game helps people talk about brain fog, fatigue, and stigma.
 

It's transformative and informative.


Many players asked that their stories be shared anonymously with clinicians. They want to reshape how the medical world cares for millions who's illness has no test or treatment.

—Denise Brodey, MS, author and journalist (left). Brodey created the game to reframe illness and promote partnering with doctors to better patient care while earning a masters in science in Harvard Medical School's Media, Medicine and Health program. 

What Game Testers Say

"A 15-minute game of SPIKE! felt like a giant hug. Unlike endless internet searches that can overwhelm me, this game was simple, positive and supportive. I want to play again. I want doctors to know how alone I feel."  
—C.P, Brookine, MA 

Spike is a game for people who have limited energy , particularly chronic illnesss patients. It was made by patients for patients. It has image card that reflect daily life activity. There is a picture of the cards that are blue with things like a yoga mat or flowers or a water bottle to illustrate what the cards look like.

Where
the Magic
Happens

You can play the game almost anywhere—over Zoom or in person—with a support group or community health organization. The game is free and confidential and facilitated to be sure your group has fun and connects with peers.

**SPIKE! is not a medical test or study or therapy. All information shared with clinicians in educational settings or papers is anonymized.** 

Know The Facts About
Long COVID, 
ME/CFS and more. 

Today, 17 million Americans live with Long COVID and even more with energy-limiting illnesses such as POTS and ME/CFS. We'll be posting downloadable fact sheets from patient-led organizations and more insights on the SPIKE! blog. For updates, follow SPIKE!'s Instagram page.  

 ** SPIKE is not a medical study or therapy. It's a facilitated card game designed to help chronic illness patients feel seen and heard. **

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© 2026 by Denise Brodey 

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