Dean was 58 when he received his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in October 2024. Other than some shoulder and back pain, which he began to experience only a few weeks before, he had no other symptoms. Sadly, the cancer had already metastasised to his lungs and liver, and he died just 3 weeks later, at home, with his partner Andrew by his side.

A loving son, brother, uncle, and partner, Dean was the brightest of lights to all of us, including his many friends and work colleagues at United Airlines. Hugely charismatic, Dean lit up a room or an airline galley with his beaming smile, cheeky sense of humour, and wonderful storytelling.

Hope Rises is not only in Dean's memory but for all those impacted by this often-deadly form of cancer, known as the ‘silent slayer’ because too frequently, the symptoms present when it is already too late. More funding is essential for earlier detection and the advancement of treatment options. In essence, raising awareness and giving others hope helps make some sense of his tragic loss.