This is a little personal. So I hope you can bear with me and this post…..
You guys asked me to remind you, so here is your last reminder!
Update: Dean has made it to the finals!! I’m sure in a big part because of all of your votes! There is bad news though… they have found more cancer growth spots in his brain from a recent scan and Dean is going into surgery on Thursday to remove them. The last time Dean woke up from surgery, he had a half Ironman to train for. This time, when he wakes up from surgery, we want to give him the ultimate Ironman to train for: the Kona World Championships.
He is up against 14 other people and only 2 will be picked! You can vote once per device per 24 hours and there are 6 more days in the contest!!! So, feel free to do so! I will be for sure!
My little sister, Alexi, recently found out that her Father-in-Law has a very agreesive and serious case of Brain Cancer. There is no way to beat it… just ways to hopefully live longer. That kind of news would be a shock to anyone. But Dean is one of the healthiest and in shape people I have ever met. This man has participated in countless athletic and running events including 24 Marathons, 50+ Half Marathons, and over 25 Triathlons including 3 Half-Ironmans and 3 Ironmans!
Dean’s dream has been to participate in the World Championship Ironman Competition. You wouldn’t think someone with Brain Cancer and undergoing Chemo would be able to keep running…. but he does and I find him so inspiring!! So, I am backing him up in his dream to compete in the World Championship Ironman Competition. But he needs everyone’s help!
Head over here and click the “Vote for This” button under the video. That’s it! No login, registering or anything. Just a click. And if you really want to be inspired… you can watch his 90 second video. It is really touching!!
Thanks for letting me share this with you! I know this isn’t typical kind of post that I do. But really thought his story needed to be shared. Hopefully it will lift you up and realize that Anything Truly is Possible!!
Tiffany S.
I voted. Thanks for sharing!
MeaganS
I voted. His video was very inspiring. All the best!
Christine
Voted!
Valerie
Voted! I hope he gets in! An inspiration for sure.
LaVon
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story! He is a very positive man!
Leesa
Voted! What an amazingly strong man! Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he goes thought this!
Leslie
God bless him and his family. This hits close to home for me. My husbands best friend (they grew up together), was diagnosed in November of 2011 with stage IV colon cancer at the young age of 31. A husband and father if 2 little children, he recently lost his battle 2 1/2 weeks ago. Life is precious, hold your loved ones closer.
Raygan
Done & Done! I love to run, but most days it’s a struggle to get my 3-5 miles in, and yet Dean is still going strong! So inspiring!
Ashley Stenquist
that was beautiful.
Jacquelyn
Of course I’ll vote!!! Tears streaming down my face. I’m so sorry for the pain and heartache. Xoxo
Christy Barnson
Are you familiar with Essential Oils? Frankincense and Sandalwood are the only oils that can break the brain barrier. Frankincense is known to heal cancer. Maybe you can pass on this information. I would think it would be worth a try. I use frankincense on my neck right behind my earlobe to treat my depression. That spot has no bones in the way and the oil is able to go straight to the brain and start working.
Emily Davies
Voted!!
Rose
I voted for him! And I even shared the link on my Facebook Page. What an inspiration he is!
Nina
I voted! Very inspiring. God Bless him and his huge family!!
Jessica Allen
A friend of mine just lost her husband a week and a half ago to brain cancer. It was diagnosed in October 2012. He was only 33 and left behind 6 children under the age of 9. So, this hits close to home. They are trying to raise money to help my friend, Amiee, with expenses and just trying to survive day to day as her husband, Dustin, was the main source of income. She, also, is an inspiration as she continues to keep her spirits up and continues to live for her children. Just thought I would share.
jen
My friend got the same diagnosis in January. She’s 42, and also a runner. I voted!
Ria
May he be blessed with health and happiness…Voted !
Stephanie Busey
I voted. Mine and my families life changed recently when I was diagnosed with a Chairi Malformation of the brain. This man inspired me to keep going, and to be strong. I have to take care of my two little boys. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope he gets in…what an amazing person!
Donna
voted, and shared! Best of luck
Leigh
I voted too. Please keep us updated!!
Stephanie
Voted. Keep us posted. Dying to know how it goes, and all my best wishes and prayers to him!
Carissa
My prayers are with him and his family! Voted
Jordan Duncan
Thank you so much for sharing my Dad’s story on your website. You are amazing and have really helped out our family. I am so overwhelmed by all the love and support. Thank you to eveyone who has voted. My dad is my HERO and deserves this. Thank you again! Vote and share!!
Stacey
Thanks for sharing! I voted!
Alexi Bullock
Thank you SOOO SO MUCH for posting this!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Thank you, Melea, and thank you everyone else for voting and re-posting and sharing this link. I’m crying from the love and support.
christine
voted!!!
Chelsea
well i cried! thanks for sharing. I voted and I hope his dream comes true!
Whitney Nielson
Thank you SO much Melea for sharing our dad’s story. There isn’t a more deserving person than him. His whole life has been an embodiment of the mantra “Anything is Possible” but especially now. Your kindness and sharing and re-posting is so appreciated. Thank you!!
Jess
My grandma died of brain cancer….hard one to deal with. I voted and will share!
Laurel ford
I LOVE the Bullock family. I hop he gets in this year!!
Ann
I voted – what an inspiration!
Jennifer
Thank you Melea!! I voted. Dean is definitely an inspiration. My prayers are with him and his family. Stephanie Busey – I am very sorry you have to go through this. YOU are an amazing person and I admire your courage and strength! Don’t ever give up, you are stronger than you know! You and your family are in my prayers.
Lexi
Melea,
Thank you for sharing things like this! It shows all your many followers that you are a real person like the rest of us… You are a mom, you have a family, and you still help so many others out… It’s nice to be able to support you & your family by clicking a simple button to vote. Thanks for all you do for everyone, I myself am happy to return the favor anytime!!
Amy
His story is truly touching to me as my younger sister was diagnosed in October 2012 with Grade 4 malignant glioblastoma.
I voted and may God Bless Dean and your families!
Ann
Can you vote more than once? Daily?
Joanne
I VOTED! I was diagnosed with brain cancer the DAY after he was. Mine is not quite as serious and the tumor was surgically removed. But because of that I feel connected to stories like this. I hope he gets in! Running has been my best therapy since my surgery last year!
Sean Bullock
Melea you are incredible. THANK YOU!
Kendra
I voted, many many good wishes sent to him and his family-I hope he gets his dream. Things like this put life and what really matters in perspective. He will be blessed for his trials and come out a stronger and better person for them. Look at all the people he has already touched! Thank you for sharing
Shelly Taylor
Inspiring! I voted!
Bri Bolander
We just had a friend die of a very aggressive form of brain cancer 2 weeks ago at the age of 35 and just as healthy as this great man. Our friend went down VERY fast and could only fight for just over a year. I know that if he had the chance and didnt get so sick he would be running in marathons too. I voted for this great man and I hope that he is able to achieve his goal. I am so grateful for people like you and your family showing that just because you have a disease you still can be human.
P.S. I was sobbing over the video thank you for being an inspiration!
MaLu
Voted. I love that he has the drive to keep on going. Blessings to all.
Jennifer J.
Thank You, What an inspiring video. I will be praying for him and all of his beautiful family. God Bless You All. (this is my favorite post, no freebie or deal will ever compare to this)
Beverly Romanelli
So inspiring. Prayers for Dean and his family. God bless them all!
Karlie Badger
Wow, and here I am sitting on my butt. Thank you for sharing!
JoAnn
Inspiring story and wish him and his large family the best!
Allyson
Voted and posted on FB! Amazing man!
Kim B.
He is very inspiring and can teach us all to never give up on your dreams no matter what life hands ya. Thanks for sharing this story! I voted!
Kim Hewlett
voted … and will share on my facebook … what an inspiration!
Tanna
Voted and shared!!!
Brenna
Definitely voted! Thank you for sharing this incredibly touching story. He deserves this & I so hope that he gets it!
Kristin
I voted and I shared it on my facebook page. I hope he gets a million votes!!! He looks like the cutest dad!!!!
Nicole S
Thanks for sharing. He is an amazing man. Voted and shared.
Robin Newland
I voted!! What a truly amazing man with an amazing story!! God Bless!!
Laurie Ann
What an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Connie Worthen
I voted and then posted it to my facebook. Many blessings to this great man and his family.
Briana
i voted! thanks for sharing – i loved the video. he sounds like the best guy. my daughter had cancer and has been off treatment now for almost a year – she’s 5.5 and doing great. anything is possible.
Rust
Thank you for sharing. Thank you for making my day, and for the inspiration you are spreading. 🙂
What a beautiful man.
Tiffany
Wishing everyone the best!! Such a touching video, thank you for sharing.
Sharyl
Here’s hoping for Dean’s dream to come true!
Amy Stribling
Thank you for sharing this! I wondered if we can vote daily or just once? I’ll see if I can’t put it on my Facebook as well. My best friends 2 year old granddaughter is fighting a cancerous tumor in her brain so this hits close to home. I am a Christian and I will begin praying for him & his family! He is very inspiring & I pray his dream comes true!!
Michelle Fewell
I voted!!
Hanna
Amazing.
Tracy
Wow! Many blessing.
Annie
amazing….voted!
Tina
I voted; yes he is an inspiration. Praying for him and all of the family; God is always there!
Erica
Voted! Good luck to him, my prayers are with him.
Steph
I know Dean. I am an Cycle Instructor at the rec center. He has been to my classes. It broke my heart to hear this news. His is an awesome guy with so much to give and his determination is so very INSPIRING!!! I would love to seen him fulfill his dream and do this IRONMAN. Lets all take it a” GEAR” higher and leave Life to the fullest . Finish with no regrets.
mary
Voted and shared on my fb. What an inspiration I hope his dreams come true
Ariane Mardis
That is awesome.. small world… I went to high school with his kids.. Ran track with Jordan
Ariane Mardis
you can vote as many times as you want just close window and click on video again.
Allyson
Wow. very inspirational. My Dad died two years ago from cancer. Not something that is easy to go through
Denise
What an amazing man! Thank you so much for sharing this. I wish and pray for the very best to Dean and his family. Please send him our prayers as we not only hope for his trek to Kona but also his trek to recovery. Much love!
Alissa Lines
Wow! Thanks. You just never know what cards you’ll be played. Obviously he has a wonderful outlook on life and will to live (and an amazing support system). I hope he wins! Thanks for sharing with us. I needed a little boost today. 😉 Keep fighting Dean!
Tammy
I Voted 🙂
Alecia
I voted! I hope he wins!
Tysi
Wow amazing! I voted! I will vote everyday if you keep reminding us on FB!
Wendi
Thanks for sharing. I voted and will continue to vote and share the next few days. This hit home for me as I just lost my sweetheart to brain cancer less than 3 months ago (at the age of 28). It can be a devastating illness, but when there is something to fight for, that makes all the difference! Go Dean!
MaRia C.
Lets help Dean accomplish his goal, cheering you on!
Becca
Thank you for posting this. This man lives in my neighborhood and deserves this more than you know!
Becky
What an inspiration! I wish him all the best with his journey. My father just passed away in January from this exact same cancer. God bless him and his family!
Val
I voted! Thanks for sharing! My MIL was diagnosed with the same Glio in June 2011. I’m so very grateful for his ambition, and outlook on life– WAY TO GO and good luck! Prayers for your family!
Rebecca Hunt
I voted! I really hope he gets picked! 😀 I enjoyed his video and wish you the best of luck that he gets picked!
JuLane Holland
So sorry to hear Dean has the cancer back. He’s a dear friend of ours and we are continuing to vote. Thanks for helping. He’s in our prayers.
Sean Bullock
Thanks Melea! You are incredible. Keep the votes coming everybody!
Alexi Bullock
Thank you so much for updating your readers about Dean! We suuuuper appreciate your help and support! Thank you to everyone who has helped, keep it coming!!!
Debra Needles
Voted. A good reminder to count our blessings. Thanks.
Jeff Bullock
Thank you sooooooo much!!! I am one of Dean’s sons and I can’t tell you how grateful we are for all of the love and support everyone has shown. Thank you everyone.
Lindsey
Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you everyone for voting! We are so close, let’s get my dad to Kona!!
Kim bullock
Thanks for sharing! We are so thankful for you melea and all the followers of freebies to deals helping us out! What an answer to our prayers we love you!!!!!
Jennifer J.
Thank you so much for the update!! I voted again and will continue to do so along with constant prayer 🙂
Becky
I voted. My mother battled glioblastoma brain cancer for 19 months before she was taken from us last November. We participated in the Walk to End Brain Cancer on Memorial Day at Liberty Park. Maybe we could chat sometime about Freebies to Deals being part of this next year! 🙂
Melea Johnson
Yeah! Email me and let me know about it when it gets closer!
Laurie Ann
Wahoo! I’m so happy. Yes, it would be so great if he could wake up to this. Thanks, and if it’s not to difficult, please keep reminding us with daily links. Thanks, your the best!
Katie
My mom died from Glioblastoma last November. It is truly a horrible disease. Dean looks like an amazing man and I am so sorry his family is having to go through this. I will vote for him everyday. I also shared this on a Glioblastoma FB support page that has over 1000 members. Hopefully a bunch of them will vote too. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah Goodfellow
Voted!! Such a neat man….very inspiring!!! Go Dean!!
Traci Widdison
Thanks for sharing such an inspiration. My mom is fighting the same fight right now. She has the same cancer, glioblastoma multiform, and I am inspired to share this mans story with her to maybe help her keep up the fight. Thanks
Brandi
I saw his story on the news a couple of nights ago!!! I tried to find his video to vote for it right after, and could not find it!! Thank you for this link!!! Very inspiring!!!
Shawna Smith
VOTED!!!!! I Pray all goes well! Also Thank you for all your e-mails!
Jaime S
What an inspiration! I work in the cancer field and knowing this kind if tumor this truly breaks my heart. He sure looks like such an amazing person/father/grandfather! My prayers will be with this family and of course my vote!
Maili Marsden
Amazing!! I voted! I hope he makes it, what a DREAM come true!!! {I hope it’s okay that I shared this post on FB..}
Shannon
You are so awesome to share this! I’m voting every day and hoping Dean makes it to Kona!
Penny
Thanks for the reminder! Wishing him all the best!
Jo Ann
I’m glad you post things like this so we can help someone else sometimes.
Amber
Did he get in?