Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, recently lived out a dream: playing the upcoming Borderlands 4, thanks to the game's community and Gearbox Software. His inspiring story highlights the power of online support and a company's compassionate response.
Gearbox's Heartwarming Gesture
A Borderlands 4 Preview
Caleb McAlpine's wish to play Borderlands 4 before it's official release was answered in a spectacular way. On November 26th, he detailed his incredible experience on Reddit: a first-class flight to Gearbox's studio, a tour of the facilities, meetings with developers, and, most importantly, an early hands-on session with the highly anticipated game.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb wrote, adding that he and a friend were treated to a VIP tour of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at the Omni Frisco Hotel after their time at Gearbox.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, he emphasized the "amazing experience" and expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make it happen.
A Community Rallies Behind a Fan
Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a heartfelt Reddit post. He shared his cancer diagnosis (a prognosis of 7-12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful chemotherapy) and expressed his longing to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late. His plea, described as a "long shot," resonated deeply with the Borderlands community.
The response was overwhelming. Support poured in, with many contacting Gearbox to advocate for Caleb.
Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO, responded swiftly on Twitter(X), promising to explore options. Within a month, Caleb's dream became a reality.
A GoFundMe campaign supporting Caleb's medical expenses has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding $12,415 USD, surpassing its initial goal. The outpouring of support underscores the impact of Caleb's story and the power of community.
