A terminally ill Borderlands enthusiast has embarked on an extraordinary journey that combines the harsh reality of his illness with a once-in-a-lifetime studio tour. This story is a testament to the power of community and the unexpected turns that life can take.

A Terminal Illness, a Studio Tour, and a Grateful Heart

Diagnosis and Despair

Last month, 37-year-old Caleb McAlpine found himself facing a life-altering diagnosis. In August, he was diagnosed with "late stage 4 terminal cancer," with a prognosis of potentially seven to 12 months if chemotherapy couldn't slow its progression. Even if his body responded well to the treatment, his time was limited to less than two years. As a die-hard Borderlands fan, he wondered if he would even be around to experience Borderlands 4. He took to Reddit, seeking a way to connect with Gearbox and potentially play the game early.This was a difficult time for Caleb, as he grappled with the reality of his illness while holding onto his love for the Borderlands franchise. His words were filled with a sense of uncertainty and longing.

The Studio Tour and Hope

Not long after his plea, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford stepped in and confirmed that "we're going to do whatever we can to make something happen." Thanks to an update post from McAlpine, we now know that his wish came true.So, Gearbox flew Caleb and a friend first class on the 20th of the month. They got to tour the studio and meet an amazing group of people, from the devs of all the Borderlands games up to Randy himself. It was a surreal experience for Caleb, a moment he will never forget.During the tour, they were able to play what Gearbox has made of Borderlands 4 so far. Caleb described it as "amazing." He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, knowing that he may not be around when the game officially releases. His words were filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation.

The Impact of Community Support

Speaking to GamesRadar+ over email last month, Caleb told us he was "floored" by Pitchford's offer. It felt like a dream to him, a glimmer of hope in the midst of his illness.His GoFundMe campaign to fund his treatment also saw a significant surge in support since his initial post in October. It has now surpassed his goal of ,000 and stands at ,255 at the time of writing. This outpouring of support from the Borderlands community has been a source of strength for Caleb.He reiterated his gratitude in his latest post, thanking everyone for their love and support. It is a reminder of the power of community and the impact that a simple act of kindness can have.Caleb's story is a reminder that life is full of surprises and that even in the darkest of times, there can be moments of hope and joy. His journey with Borderlands and his battle with cancer have touched the hearts of many, and his story will continue to inspire others.