Cancer patient and Borderlands enthusiast Caleb McAlpine recently lived out a dream, thanks to the game's community and Gearbox Software. Read on to discover his incredible story.
Gearbox Grants a Fan's Wish
An Unforgettable Borderlands 4 Preview
Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan battling cancer, received an extraordinary gift: early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. In a heartwarming Reddit post on November 26th, he recounted his journey. Gearbox flew him and a friend first-class to their studio, where they toured the facilities, met the development team, and experienced the game firsthand.
Caleb's reaction to Borderlands 4? "We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," he stated. He detailed the trip, mentioning a meeting with developers and even Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO.
Following this incredible experience, Caleb and his friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, the overall impact was profound. "It was an amazing experience and it was just awesome," he expressed, extending his gratitude to everyone who supported his request.
A Community Rallies Behind a Wish
On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially posted on Reddit, sharing his medical prognosis – a 7-12 month life expectancy, even with successful chemotherapy – and expressing his heartfelt desire to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late.
His plea, initially described as a "long shot," resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. Outpourings of support flooded in, with many contacting Gearbox to advocate for Caleb.
Randy Pitchford's swift response on Twitter(X) – "Caleb and I are now chatting via e-mail and we’re going to do whatever we can to make something happen" – ignited hope. A month later, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's wish.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Caleb's fight against cancer has already surpassed $12,415, exceeding its initial goal. The outpouring of generosity continues to grow as Caleb's story spreads.
