Many of you have known John and Cherrie Dean for quite sometime now.  They are the sweetest, kindest, and most thoughtful people I know.  They are always doing for others and helping anyone they can, but now they need our help.  


John has MDS (Myelodsplastic Syndrome) a type of bone marrow cancer. His bone marrow cannot produce the amount of red blood cells that he needs to function leaving him in constant pain, fatigue, and often experiences severe episodes of lightheadedness and dizziness. He was diagnosed 3 years ago with MDS but over the past year or so has also developed cutaneous lupus erythematous (CLE) which is considered an autoimmune issue that flares up frequently due to low RBC and hemoglobin levels as well as being influenced by environmental factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and heat which is the environment John works in on a daily basis.  

John  has continued working through all of the treatments, transfusions, doctor's appointment & side effects until 2 weeks ago when John finally came to the realization that he cannot continue to work and deal with his  declining  health. Many of you know John as the friendliest mailman around! He loved his job & all the people he came into contact with on a daily basis. John not able to get out of bed, do for himself, or engage with the public while talking to some of his favorite people, is not John at all. This nasty cancer has taken so much from him and his family.

Cherrie is still employed with the school district full time and has missed days & will continue to miss time from work to care for John. She has been by his side since the beginning and never hesitates for a moment when he needs something. Whether its to travel to another trip to Duke, wake up early to take him to a transfusion, or stick by his side when he is feeling at his worse, Cherrie has and continues to do it all. She is so overwhelmed and  worried as any of us would be.  Cherrie is also assuming all the roles John would fulfill.  She is getting him back and forth to treatments, appointments, transfusions all while trying to keep her family together as well as herself.

John has applied for disability, but as you all know, that is a very long drawn out process.  While they continue to wait, the bills do not. The financial strain that cancer puts on a family is overwhelming.  Now that John is out of work and most likely will not be returning, the financial strain and burdens will only be getting worse.

John loves getting mail... real mail!  Anyone that can send them a few words of encouragement, please do so.  Feel free to private message me for their address.  

Although times have been hard, and this has been such a crazy year, all who can donate to "Team Dean" please do! This will help relieve some financial stress. Anything and everything will be greatly appreciated.  Not only will bills need to be paid, but they will also be traveling to the Mayo Clinic & Duke and these appointments will require over night visits which will add up quickly as well.  

Hopefully in a few months, his short term & long term disability will kick in, and they can keep their head above water. Until then, please show them some love! Our dear friends need us now more than ever.