Toronto hospital grants dying man's wish to play beloved video game

Have you ever thought about how you'd like to spend your final days? For one terminally ill man in Toronto with "weeks" to live, it's playing the latest Doom video game.

Reddit user Wanderingreader123 shared a heartfelt post on the r/Doom subreddit on Jan. 31. He has been battling Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 2022 and is nearing the end of his life.

Currently staying at Toronto General Hospital, which he describes as one of the "best hospitals in Toronto," Wanderingreader123 said staff asked if there was a wish they could fulfill. His answer was to play the 2025 first-person shooter game Doom: The Dark Ages.

"I am currently blasting my way through hordes of demons in Chapter 4 and I have nothing but childish glee as I return to my roots as a badass Demon Slayer," he wrote.

The user said he's been a fan of the video game franchise since 2016, as it has gotten him through some "tough times" in the past. He explained that financial constraints had prevented him from buying the 2025 game, so finally getting the chance to play it now meant a great deal to him.

He also took time to thank the creators and developers of the game. 

"To the developers of ID Software, thank you for bringing such a beautiful piece of art that not only brought the FPS genre to its roots, but also revitalize and reinvented the wheel that no other game could. Not only that, but thank you for crafting such an awesome series for a fan like me." 

The late Anthony Bourdain once said, "Life is twisted, messy and unfair, but catch it at the right angle, and it's breathtaking." In a rare moment that reflects that truth and reminds us that there is still some humanity left in the world, the team behind the Doom franchise shared supportive messages with Wanderingreader123 after his Reddit post gained widespread attention.

Fair warning: these messages may have you reaching for the tissues.

"I tell the team all the time, people care about our games, we have to put the same amount of care into making them. It has been the honour of our professional lives making these past three games for fans like you," wrote Doom Eternal Game Director Hugo Martin.

"To make the Slayer feel STRONG in DOOM, we infuse him with all the attributes of a true old school hero: we give him strength, courage and heart… we make him like you. RIP AND TEAR my friend. You are the real Slayer," the comment continued. 

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by u/Wanderingreader123 from discussion
in Doom

Co-founder of id Software, the developer behind the Doom video games, John Romero also penned a heartfelt response to Wanderingreader123's post. 

"You are the definition of bravery and courage. You are the reason DOOM exists. You are not alone in that hospital room. You are standing in a place millions of us have stood, fighting. Every enemy, every level, every moment matters because you do."

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by u/Wanderingreader123 from discussion
in Doom

Beyond the Doom team, the wider gaming community has sent an outpouring of support—so much so that Wanderingreader123 felt compelled to provide an update on the original post.

"No amount of words can describe the overwhelming kindness you have given me since I posted. Not only from the fans but to also the developers as well," he wrote. "I will use the time that I have left to not only enjoy myself but to also spend time with my family and friends. Thank you again, everyone!"

Rip and tear, Wanderingreader123.