In August 2023, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, DSRCT, and given about two years to live. Naturally, my family rallied around me, asking, “What would make you happy? Anything you want, it’s yours…”
Without hesitation, I said, “A black Mustang GT Premium.”
They were surprised and asked, “You don’t want to travel or do things you’ve always dreamed of?”
Of course I do… I just want to do it in a Mustang.
So, they made it happen. And I have to say, as a dying man, driving that Mustang is the only thing that truly makes me feel alive.
(Don’t worry, I got rid of that ugly plastic plate mount on the front!)
@Bali
You’re definitely not a jerk for that. It’s safer to back into a spot than back out into traffic where things can change quickly. Always back into spots if you can!
@Bali
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I’m glad you made such a great choice. Mind if I tag along? I can drive my own Mustang and follow if you’d like. Your story really hit me, even though we don’t know each other. Keep fighting! Maybe things will turn around.
@Keanu
Thank you! I’m not giving up yet. I’ll fight this until my last breath. Just because they said I’m going to die doesn’t mean I believe it. They’re not always right! I’d love to do a road trip and raise money for kids dealing with DSRCT.
Tully said:
Drive it like a rental! Take that pony all across America. I’d ride with you anywhere.
How about a ‘Drive for Life’? My cancer mostly affects young boys as young as 10. There’s no cure, and the survival rate is painfully low. With fewer than 300 known cases, research is tough. Many patients don’t survive long enough to complete clinical trials.
We could drive across the country and raise money for these kids, gather a bunch of Mustang owners together, and maybe even give the kids some rides. It would be amazing to visit different children’s hospitals along the way.
Tully said: @Bali
Let’s make it happen. We need folks with media savvy, social media skills, and PR experience. ‘Drive for Life’ sounds perfect. What’s next?
You’re spot on. I’ve even used AI to come up with a plan: we’ll need volunteers, PR help, and social media expertise.
@Bali
I just read up on DSRCT. It’s incredibly rare, with only about 15% surviving past five years. No standard treatment and no known genetic link. We need to raise awareness—this is exactly why we need a media person from the start. Do you know anyone who could help?
@Tully
I know some digital content creators, and I’ve got a contact at azcentral who covers high school sports. I’ll reach out to him and see if he can connect us to the right people.
Bali said: @Tully
I know some digital content creators, and I’ve got a contact at azcentral who covers high school sports. I’ll reach out to him and see if he can connect us to the right people.
I’ve also contacted a friend in PR. Let’s see what we can pull together.
It was my first day with the car. Went from an Altima to this, so still getting used to it. But I’m learning! 
