First US videogame champion, legendary programmer, and Interplay co-founder Rebecca Heineman is fundraising to deal with the costs of an aggressive cancer diagnosis

Videogame programmer Rebecca Heineman sitting in home office with clasped hands addressing camera.

40-year games industry veteran Rebecca Heineman has started a GoFundMe to help deal with an aggressive cancer diagnosis, one whose costs are only partially covered by private insurance. Heineman's career extends back to the days of Space Invaders, with credits on at least 71 games including The Bard's Tale 3 and early ports of Doom and Baldur's Gate 2.

Heineman began treatment and diagnostics following PAX West this year, and is set to start chemotherapy for cancer in her lungs and liver. Parts of Heineman's treatment are covered by insurance, but she is also liable for overwhelming bills from out-of-network treatment.