When faced with the end of life, most people envision quiet reflections or a final meal with loved ones. However, one dedicated gaming enthusiast has chosen to spend his remaining time immersed in the visceral, high-octane world of first-person shooters. Specifically, he is finding solace in the legendary “Rip and Tear” ethos of id Software’s iconic Doom franchise.
In late January, a Redditor known as Wanderingreader123 shared a deeply moving post detailing his ongoing struggle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. While he has been battling the disease since 2022, he informed the community that his condition took a terminal turn in early 2026.
“I never truly envisioned finding myself in a situation where my life expectancy has dwindled to just a few weeks,” Wanderingreader123 wrote.
Currently receiving hospice care at a facility in Toronto, the patient was asked by the compassionate medical staff if there were any specific requests they could fulfill to improve his quality of life. He reflected on his decade-long passion for the modern Doom titles, noting how the series had provided him with strength during previous hardships. He had been eagerly anticipating Doom: The Dark Ages, the 2025 follow-up to the hit Doom Eternal, but financial hurdles and his failing health threatened to keep the game out of reach.
“Financial constraints stood in the way, but I held onto the hope that I would eventually get to experience the game,” he explained.
“I’ve been a Doom devotee since the 2016 reboot; it truly helped me navigate some of my darkest chapters,” Wanderingreader123 continued. “I’ve conquered both the reboot and Eternal, including the expansions, and I cherish the memories of losing myself in that universe.”
Recognizing the significance of his wish, the hospice team went to extraordinary lengths to help. They secured a PlayStation 5 and a portable gaming station, allowing him to step back into the boots of the Doom Slayer from his hospital bed. The Redditor posted a photograph of himself with a wide smile, controller in hand, as he prepared to face the legions of Hell once more. Within days of receiving the setup, he had already battled his way through the game’s fourth chapter.
Word of the story eventually reached the developers at id Software. Hugo Martin, the game director responsible for the modern evolution of the series, left a heartfelt comment thanking Wanderingreader123 for his unwavering support.
“I remind our team daily that people truly care about what we build, so we must match that passion in our development,” Martin wrote. “It has been the greatest professional honor to create these last three games for fans like you. To ensure the Slayer feels powerful, we imbue him with the traits of a true hero: strength, heart, and bravery. In that way, we make him a reflection of people like you. RIP AND TEAR, my friend. You are the real Slayer.”
While the developers and the fan have reportedly been communicating privately, the impact of this gesture has resonated throughout the community. With new content for Doom: The Dark Ages scheduled for release on May 15, Wanderingreader123 remains focused on the joy of the moment.
“I feel a sense of pure, almost childlike excitement returning to my roots as a demon hunter,” he said. “I may not be here to see the future DLC, but I am incredibly grateful to finally have this experience in my hands.”
Source: Polygon
