Ford CEO Offers Teen the Ride of His Life
For Joseph Tegerdine, the car of his dreams will come with the training necessary to enjoy it to its fullest.
Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley is well known as a car enthusiast. More than that, though, he’s a dad and an all-around good guy. Don’t believe us? Here’s a feel-good story to brighten up your week.
According to the Detroit Free Press, 18-year-old Joseph Tegerdine of Springville, Utah has loved Mustangs since childhood. “I’ve just liked Mustangs for as long as I can remember. Six-year-old me liked it, the headlights looked cool, and I stuck with it,” he told the newspaper. Many of us here at The Mustang Source have similar stories.
He loves Mustangs so much, in fact, that he got himself a job at Sodalicious just to save up to buy one of his own. Unfortunately, though, Tegerdine was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of cancer. He’s undergone many treatments, including chemotherapy. Sadly, part of his right leg had to be amputated to remove the tumor. But then, tumors were found in his lungs.
Make the Most of What You’ve Got
That’s when Joseph’s father, Joe Tegerdine, made a decision. He bought his son a Mustang so that he could enjoy it with the time he has left. He got him a pretty stout, one, too – a 2020 EcoBoost High Performance Package, with the motor from the Focus RS and the brakes and suspension from the GT Performance Pack.
Joe even ponied up for the Handling Package, which included even wider wheels, upgraded brakes, an upgraded differential, and MagneRide adaptive dampers. Well done, Mr. Tegerdine. He posted a photo of the Mustang on his Twitter, which, as of this writing, has been viewed nearly 14 million times.
One of those viewers was Ford CEO Jim Farley. Learning of Joseph’s story, he responded with an incredible offer – to fly father and son out to the Ford Performance Racing School to learn to drive on the track. The Tegerdines will even get a chance to slide behind the wheel of a new Dark Horse.
We’ll be following Joseph Tegerdine’s story intently. Any Mustanger is a friend of ours, and we can’t wait to see what he thinks of the experience.
Photos: The Tegerdine Family via Detroit Free Press
Join the Mustang Source Forums now!
