This is my dad, Dean. He’s the hardest working man I know who has always done whatever it takes to support his family. Life wasn’t always easy, but he sure made it seem like he had it all together for us. He and my mom have been together for 40 years and have three kids, myself and my two brothers. Not only is he my father, but he’s always been my friend. He was always there for me growing up, my go-to when things got tough and of course he taught me all of the most important things in life like how to ride a dirt bike and how to use power tools to fix any and everything. Now I’d like to help support him during the most difficult time of his life, but I need your help.

Two years ago my dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had his bladder removed soon after and had a neo-bladder created. We thought he was in the clear and quietly celebrated that he wouldn’t need any further treatment. Unfortunately, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. These last two years have been nothing short of a nightmare with multiple hospital stays due to infection and sepsis and the loss of one of his kidneys. Most recently he suffered a massive pulmonary embolism that left doctors and nurses astounded that he survived. He spent many of these times in the hospital alone and afraid due to COVID restrictions. It's been extra hard on all of us with them being in Florida and me, and much of our family, being in Maryland.

With so many things going wrong and my dad just not feeling well, they pressed for further testing and we recently found out that his bladder cancer metastasized and is in several lymph nodes throughout his body. Stage 4 urothelial cancer. He was also diagnosed with Lymphoma. This news was a devastating blow after two long years of fighting other illnesses, but the fight is NOT over. On Monday, October 17th my dad will begin his first of four rounds of chemotherapy. Since he only has one functional kidney, treatment and scans have to be modified. If he responds well then he’ll proceed with immunotherapy and radiation. After that they’ll begin addressing the Lymphoma with an entirely different treatment plan. This is an uphill battle, but if anyone can beat this it is my dad!

As with most hardworking people, his pride would never allow him to ask for help. He’s looking at several years of treatment and I know he and my mom need support to help with all of the bills that are steadily piling up as he has been unable to work and will not be able to return for quite some time. If you can help in any way we would be forever grateful so that he can focus on his physical and emotional health without the added financial stress. Please consider donating if you can, but if you can’t I know my parents would love support through cards, messages, and prayers. We thank you so much for taking the time to read his story!

With love,

Sarah

#DeanFights #CancerWarrior