In mid-September, Dean’s life was completely upended when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). What started as a sudden medical emergency quickly turned into an intensive, month-long battle in the hospital.

His journey began in the ICU, where he required emergency stabilization procedures—including leukapheresis and intensive organ support—before he could safely begin cancer treatment. Once stable, he was moved into a private room to start a grueling round of high-dose induction chemotherapy. Through every single hurdle, breathing crisis, and setback, Dean has fought with the incredible grit and spirit we all know and love him for.

While the medical team is working hard to prepare him for the transition to recovering at home, the road ahead involves extensive outpatient care, ongoing medical testing, nutritional support, and a home recovery environment set up to create accessibility and support his healing.

Dean’s wife, Jo, is balancing a full-time job, working split shifts to maintain their health insurance. The emotional and physical toll on their household is staggering, and the financial reality of high deductibles, mounting medical costs, and missed income is starting to surface.

We want to clear away the financial panic so Dean can focus 100% of his energy on healing, and Jo can keep their household afloat without collapsing from exhaustion.

Every single donation, no matter the size, goes directly toward Dean’s medical bills, treatment incidentals, and essential living expenses during this crisis. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page with your network. Thank you all for the texts, the love, and for standing by Dean and Jo during the hardest days of their lives.

Immediate cost include: