Tesla Bends Rules To Send Terminally Ill Patient A Cybertruck In Time
By Mikelle Leow, 19 Mar 2024
Photo 302206042 © Nam Nguyen | Dreamstime.com
It’s not every day a car company gets to play genie, but for one Tesla enthusiast battling cancer, a dream ride became a reality, thanks to a heartwarming act of kindness by the automaker and the electric vehicle community.
Michael, a self-proclaimed “Tesla loyalist,” found himself facing a harsh predicament after being diagnosed with stage four cancer. Owning a Model 3, Solar panels, and two Powerwalls, Michael expressed his concern on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum that he might not live long enough to experience the futuristic electric pickup he had reserved. Confiding in the community, he highlighted his ongoing clinical trial and his unwavering loyalty to Tesla.
“Hoping to experience the [Cybertruck] in case I don’t hang around long enough for the delivery projection,” the hopeful driver wrote. “Sometimes making requests can help.”
Fellow superfans rallied around Michael, with messages of support and encouragement pouring in. “You can have mine if Tesla will allow a reservation swap,” one person offered.
Eventually, the story caught the attention of Tesla itself. Defying its policy against preferential treatment regarding early shipments or discounts, the company decided to expedite the delivery of Michael’s Cybertruck.
On March 1, the driver returned to the forum with an update that sent others to the fast lane to feels—Tesla had made arrangements for him to receive his truck much sooner than anticipated.
Tesla is an awesome company.
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) March 16, 2024
A forum member that goes by the name of Mrp11 unfortunately was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and asked for a rush on their Cyberbeast delivery.
A month later, Tesla home delivered their Cyberbeast along side three other Cybertruck’s creating a… pic.twitter.com/njGl80dM3I
“To all the super kind Cybertruckers, I want to share that Tesla stepped up incredibly well for me,” Michael revealed. He later added that, true to its word, the brand sent over his Cybertruck in spectacular fashion, bringing along three other Cybertrucks to escort his new ride. Michael described it as a “grand entrance,” with a Tesla team ready to answer any questions and celebrate this special moment.
“Our new beast arrived, plus support from a Rose Gold, a Black, and another Stainless Cybertruck,” Michael reported. “They made a grand entrance, filled the driveway, and were there to address any new needs or concerns [or] questions for as long as we wished.”
This isn’t the first time the EV behemoth has gone the extra mile for its fans. In January, a similar story unfolded when a 71-year-old Wisconsin resident battling terminal cancer expressed a desire to experience the Cybertruck before it was too late. The community connected him with Tesla staff, who arranged a special ride-and-drive event despite his limitations. Similar heartwarming encounters took place in 2017 and 2018, with Tesla fulfilling the bucket list wishes of fans whose days were numbered.
These acts of kindness serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful horsepower isn’t measured in watts—it’s measured by the human spirit.