In loving memory of Dean

Dear Friends , Family and Followers,

It's been a long while since our last update on here, and I wish I were sharing better news. I avoided writing updates on here ever since Dean's cancer returned December 2022. I tried to write updates many times, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. A lot has happened the past year and a half. I finally decided that I must update this page.

Many of you have followed Dean's courageous battle with cancer, and your support has been a tremendous source of strength for us.

In our previous updates, we shared how well Dean was doing, celebrating each small victory and moment of joy. Finding joy in the journey and living life to the fullest as Dean always wanted to do. When the cancer returned, he faced his treatments with incredible bravery and an unwavering spirit, always finding reasons to smile even on the toughest days. Always remaining positive and somehow still being my rock through it all.

I researched as much as possible to find the very best treatment options. We got 2nd opinions from Moffitt Cancer Center, I spoke to doctors in California. I spent hours and hours on cancer research support pages trying to find any sort of new answers that could help us. We were able to get Dean on 2 different clinical trials over the last year and a half and were able to keep things stable for a short time. Dean's determination and positive outlook were truly inspiring to everyone who knew him, especially to me.

However, it is with deep sorrow that I share that Dean passed away on May 7, 2024. Despite the relentless fight he put up, his body could no longer keep up with his spirit. Dean's passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, filled with love and warmth.

As I (we) navigate this profound loss, we are reminded of the incredible impact Dean had on all of us. His kindness, humor, and strength left a lasting impression, and his memory will forever be cherished. I am so grateful for every single moment I had with him. BEYOND grateful he talked me into this crazy 4 month road trip we did. I will forever cherish this amazing trip, constantly look back on all the videos, photos, etc.

I was scared to take the leap to actually do this trip. He talked me into it. He never had a fear of living life to the fullest- no matter what.

We had a really hard last 5-6 years, but when we had each other we got through It and tried to enjoy every moment we could. Now, without him, Im trying really hard to keep that spirit, his spirit, alive. It's a battle every single day and I am sure it will be for a very long time, probably forever.

I promised him I would continue to do what he wanted to do, continue to find joy, continue to travel. I am not quite sure yet if/how I will. Maybe in time.

So, I may continue to update this page, but I may not. I am taking this hour by hour.

However, one thing I know for sure is that Dean was such an amazing human, man, brother, son, uncle, husband, friend. He deserves to be remembered, honored, celebrated, every. single. day. I will try my best to do that.

Thank you for being with us through this journey, for your prayers, kind words, and unwavering support. Dean's legacy of love and resilience will continue to inspire us all.

With heartfelt gratitude,

💕Lauren