Support Dean's Battle with Cancer
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Many of you may not be aware, but our dear friend Dean was recently diagnosed, at age 32, with colon cancer. His story is one of courage, of love, of faith, and of an intensely fierce desire to live his life to the fullest.
On December 30th, Dean went into hospital with stomach pain and was told his appendix needed to be removed. After the surgery, doctors told him the pain he was experiencing was actually due to his colon shifting and suggested some routine testing to ensure that everything was okay. Three months later they were stunned by the news that colon cancer was suspected.
On March 29th the doctor diagnosed Dean with colon cancer, which had spread to the liver.
Nothing could have prepared them for the moment the doctor sat them down and gave them the diagnosis. They went through a plan of action and walked out into the waiting room where they told their anxiously awaiting parents the news. That night was long and full of tears, yet Dean has been incredibly strong for his family and himself. His strength of character, spirited personality, and positive attitude is an inspiration for all of us.
On April 23rd, Dean and Danielle faced his first chemotherapy together. Dean faced it laughing and joking around, in true Dean fashion. Between the first and second round, doctors found a way to increase the effectiveness of his treatments. By round three, Dean had good news: the tumours in his liver were shrinking. This rarely happens so early into treatment. By his fourth treatment, the oncologist said she had a good feeling about how Dean was doing and the liver specialist was very impressed with his progress.
While it has been challenging and difficult thus far, Dean and Danielle have done an amazing job at staying strong and keeping day-to-day life as normal as possible for their sweet Liam, who just turned 4. Danielle is the epitome of super-mom, super-wife and super support system all wrapped into one small person. She continues to work full time, while being Dean’s shadow throughout. And Dean is the absolute *best* dad. He has somehow found the strength to be present and active in every way possible while facing the many challenges of his illness. We are all in awe of what Dean and Danielle have endured and accomplished.
Fighting cancer is a full time job. Dean has not been able to work for 4 months, and will be waiting another 3-4 months for long term disability to come through. When it does, he will likely only be receiving 30% of his base salary, which doesn’t account for any commission or bonuses. Cancer was never in the budget.
Dean’s fight is far from over. Last week, he completed his 6th round of chemotherapy. The next steps are to have surgery to remove the tumours from his liver, followed by at least 6 more months of treatment.
We are sharing this personal story with you as we are reaching out to all of Dean and Danielle’s friends, all of our friends and family members and every person whose hearts this story has touched.
The last thing this family needs to be worrying about right now is how to make ends meet.
Please help us support Dean, Danielle and Liam by contributing whatever you can. Every little bit helps. They have a long road ahead, and will be needing our ongoing support. Please share widely.
Conor Lynch & Brandon Acton
On December 30th, Dean went into hospital with stomach pain and was told his appendix needed to be removed. After the surgery, doctors told him the pain he was experiencing was actually due to his colon shifting and suggested some routine testing to ensure that everything was okay. Three months later they were stunned by the news that colon cancer was suspected.
On March 29th the doctor diagnosed Dean with colon cancer, which had spread to the liver.
Nothing could have prepared them for the moment the doctor sat them down and gave them the diagnosis. They went through a plan of action and walked out into the waiting room where they told their anxiously awaiting parents the news. That night was long and full of tears, yet Dean has been incredibly strong for his family and himself. His strength of character, spirited personality, and positive attitude is an inspiration for all of us.
On April 23rd, Dean and Danielle faced his first chemotherapy together. Dean faced it laughing and joking around, in true Dean fashion. Between the first and second round, doctors found a way to increase the effectiveness of his treatments. By round three, Dean had good news: the tumours in his liver were shrinking. This rarely happens so early into treatment. By his fourth treatment, the oncologist said she had a good feeling about how Dean was doing and the liver specialist was very impressed with his progress.
While it has been challenging and difficult thus far, Dean and Danielle have done an amazing job at staying strong and keeping day-to-day life as normal as possible for their sweet Liam, who just turned 4. Danielle is the epitome of super-mom, super-wife and super support system all wrapped into one small person. She continues to work full time, while being Dean’s shadow throughout. And Dean is the absolute *best* dad. He has somehow found the strength to be present and active in every way possible while facing the many challenges of his illness. We are all in awe of what Dean and Danielle have endured and accomplished.
Fighting cancer is a full time job. Dean has not been able to work for 4 months, and will be waiting another 3-4 months for long term disability to come through. When it does, he will likely only be receiving 30% of his base salary, which doesn’t account for any commission or bonuses. Cancer was never in the budget.
Dean’s fight is far from over. Last week, he completed his 6th round of chemotherapy. The next steps are to have surgery to remove the tumours from his liver, followed by at least 6 more months of treatment.
We are sharing this personal story with you as we are reaching out to all of Dean and Danielle’s friends, all of our friends and family members and every person whose hearts this story has touched.
The last thing this family needs to be worrying about right now is how to make ends meet.
Please help us support Dean, Danielle and Liam by contributing whatever you can. Every little bit helps. They have a long road ahead, and will be needing our ongoing support. Please share widely.
Conor Lynch & Brandon Acton
Organizer and beneficiary
Conor Lynch
Organizer
Toronto, ON
Dean Bernard
Beneficiary