### Gearbox Grants Terminally Ill Borderlands Fan’s Wish: A Touching Tale of Kindness and Unity
Life sometimes presents challenges that can be both sorrowful and humbling. For one devoted Borderlands enthusiast, a terminal cancer diagnosis sparked an urgent longing to realize a final wish: to experience the yet-to-be-released *Borderlands 4*. Thanks to the kindness of the gaming community and the team at Gearbox Software, that aspiration was fulfilled.
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### An Emotional Request on Reddit
In October, 37-year-old Caleb McAlpine, a passionate follower of the *Borderlands* franchise, shared his journey on Reddit. Posting in the *Borderlands* subreddit, Caleb disclosed his diagnosis of terminal stage 4 cancer. The illness, which originated in his rectum, had metastasized to his liver, leading to a prognosis of 7 to 12 months to live—less if chemotherapy didn’t impede its advance.
Despite this harrowing news, Caleb held on to hope for one last dream: playing *Borderlands 4*. Aware that the game was still in production and unlikely to come out during his lifetime, he sought assistance from the community. His heartfelt message conveyed:
> “My name is Caleb McAlpine, I’m 37 years old. In August, I was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. It started in my rectum but spread to my entire liver. I’ve been given 7-12 months and IF the chemotherapy slows the progression of the cancer, I have less than 2 years left.
>
> So: I’m a die-hard Borderlands fan and I don’t know if I’ll still be around for Borderlands 4. Does anyone know how to contact Gearbox to see if there’s a way to play the game earlier?
>
> It’s unlikely, but I thought it was worth a try.”
The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 19,000 upvotes and more than 500 comments. Fans came together around Caleb, sharing words of support and collaborating on ways to make his wish known to Gearbox.
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### Gearbox Responds
Caleb’s story soon caught the attention of the Gearbox Software team, the creators of the *Borderlands* series. Randy Pitchford, the studio head, took to social media to express his dedication to making Caleb’s dream a reality. On October 24th, Pitchford tweeted:
> “We’ve connected with Caleb and are doing everything possible to make a difference.”
True to their commitment, Gearbox organized Caleb’s visit to their headquarters in Texas. The studio took care of all the expenses, flying Caleb first class to their offices for an unforgettable day.
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### A Wish Fulfilled
During his visit, Caleb experienced the exceptional opportunity to play an early version of *Borderlands 4*. Though the game is still in progress, Caleb got to explore everything the team had accomplished up to that point. Reflecting on his experience, Caleb expressed his gratitude in a follow-up Reddit post:
> “We got to play everything they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was incredible. I don’t know if I’ll still be around when the game comes out, but I just want to thank you all for all your love and support and for helping to make this happen. It really was an incredible experience and just awesome.”
For Caleb, the visit signified more than just playing a game—it was a moment of happiness and connection amidst an unimaginably tough time.
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### The Strength of Community
The narrative resonated profoundly with both the *Borderlands* community and the Gearbox team. Randy Pitchford characterized the experience as humbling, commending Caleb’s bravery and the community’s efforts to highlight his story. The official Gearbox Twitter account also conveyed a heartfelt message:
> “We’re deeply thankful to the Borderlands community for rallying around Caleb after he shared his story several weeks ago. His courage, strength, and determination are an inspiration to us all. Our team was honored to host him last week at our studio.”
Fans flooded the comment sections on Reddit and social media with supportive messages for Caleb, celebrating the kindness and compassion that made this moment possible.
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### A Reflection on What Matters
Caleb’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the significance of small acts of kindness. It emphasizes how shared interests—such as a passion for gaming—can unite people in meaningful ways. For Caleb, the *Borderlands* series has always been more than just entertainment; it has been a source of joy, adventure, and connection. And thanks to the efforts of Gearbox and the *Borderlands* community, he was able to create one more treasured memory.
As Caleb continues to face his battle with cancer, his story stands as a source of inspiration to others encountering similar trials. It is a testament to the importance of empathy, the power of human connection, and