Oh, Brother

"Oh, Brother" was what I said as a 6-year-old when my youngest of two brothers was born. I had been rooting for a girl, but my brother, Jef, won that contest. We got a brother and we've loved him ever since. Our brother, Gregory John Dempsey, has been a bright spot in the lives of our immediate and now his extended family for all of his 54 years. He and his wife Debbi raised two sons who brought two wonderful women into their family and they have come to love and enjoy so much their first grandchild, Finnegan, an adorable 2-year-old little boy.

Greg, while not retaining his blond hair, has definately retained his friendliness, enthusiasm for life, and so much more. He has continued his love of family and friends, spending time "playing outside" and with his many hobbies -- and working hard at his job. That is, until August of 2021 when he was diagnosed with a nasty version of metastatic melanoma that began quickly spreading throughout various places in his body. The Cancer and treatment quickly wreaked havoc on his body and his hopes of returning to work were at first delayed and later dashed as his job (and the insurance along with it) was no longer his. He is now on Debbi's insurance as well as disability and he'd hoped to not have to ask for financial help, but he's finally decided to take that brave step which is why my family and I are coming to you on his behalf.

Greg's course of treatment and response to it has, over the past year and a half, been hopeful, surprising, devastating, grueling, encouraging, worrisome, reassuring and complicated. Various updates have described it in greater detail as we're happy to do when asked. To summarize, the effects of treatment under the direction of a diligent oncologist along with a strong, ongoing will to live on Greg's part and such loving, prayerful support of friends and family have made it possible for much more healing than was originally expected.

However, challenges of a complicated case made more complicated by the loss of job and insurance changes he hadn't planned on have lead to repeated denials on the part of insurance and Greg has now gone without needed treatment long enough for the Cancer to begin growing and spreading again. He just underwent a huge surgery on his spine to remove tumors and aid in pain relief. Radiation, immunotherapy, and a possible transfer to a specialty center in Arizona where he may be able to get the chemo that's been so far denied on his current insurance are all possiblities worth pursuing. The plan, along with his status, seems to change often so we can't say exactly how the money raised would be used. Our hope is that we can raise enough for them to pay out of pocket one month's supply of that chemo (which worked so well when he last finished it) while they continue to pursue insurance coverage for the longer haul. Whether that happens or not, medical expenses continue to mount along with bills just now coming in. Any amount raised would be so very much appreciated.

This guy is so deserving of the love we all have for him. We're thankful he's still with us. He's needed by so many and if we can keep him around either a little or a lot longer, the world will be a better place. Know that your generosity is appreciated so much. (Know, too, that I would not trade him for any girl.)

Linda (Dempsey) Webb