On January 9th, our world shifted.

We received a message from my brother’s wife, Pam, telling us not to panic, but that Dean was in the hospital after falling at home. It appeared that he had fallen days earlier and wasn’t found right away. By the time he was discovered, he was severely dehydrated and confused. We hoped fluids would fix everything.

They didn’t.

An MRI revealed a brain bleed, which we assume was likely the cause of the fall. Within hours, Dean was transferred to a different hospital and rushed into emergency surgery to drain the blood from his brain. After surgery, he was placed on a ventilator. Then came the news that he needed a second surgery to remove additional bleeding. As if that wasn’t enough, doctors later confirmed he had also suffered a stroke.

Those early days were terrifying.

But if you know Dean, you know one thing, he is a fighter. And true to form, he is fighting his way back.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen slow but steady progress. He is still very weak, and the road ahead will be long. There is weakness in his legs that will require extensive rehabilitation. But there is also hope. He has good mobility in his arms — and that means something incredibly special to us. It means he will be able to hold his guitar again. That small but powerful detail reminds us that Dean is still Dean.

And Dean is more than this medical crisis.

He is an incredible guitarist, well known in our community and across the country. Music isn’t just something he does, it’s who he is. For decades, he has poured himself into his craft, sharing his talent, passion, and heart with so many. He has , without hesitation, played many benefits for friends and acquaintances when asked, and now he is the one that needs help.

Recovery from a brain injury and stroke is not quick or easy. It will take months of rehabilitation, therapy, and strength. While Dean focuses on healing, medical bills and everyday expenses are quickly piling up. Right now, he is unable to work, and the financial strain is becoming too much. We are doing what we can, but this is incredibly overwhelming for his wife, Pam, and his son, Dean Jr.

We are asking for your help during this incredibly difficult season. Any amount, no matter how small, truly makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page and keeping Dean and his family in your prayers means just as much.

Thank you for standing with Dean as he fights his way back. Back to his family, back to his strength, and back to doing what he loves.