I went to school with Dean Nelson.  Even in high school, all he talked about was being a fireman.  Well, actually he talked about Garth Brooks and about being a fireman.

Dean is going through some tough times right now.  Dean has recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Oropharyngeal Cancer.

The spaghetti dinner to benefit the Nelson family is Saturday at the Lanark Il Fire Department.

Dean is a husband and father of six, a brother, a friend, he is also a Firefighter and EMT of 20 years, starting out Volunteering for Chadwick Fire Department, and has served in several communities throughout Carroll County, including CGH Emergency Services, of Whiteside County, and just an all-around good decent human being. Recently Dean had noticed ear infection type symptoms, while on shift, that radiated to his jaw. After seeking medical attention with a local physician, Doctors arranged an MRI, CT scan and biopsy. On July 18th, 2018 he was diagnosed with markers of carcinoma cells in his lymph nodes in the left side of his neck.

The family decided to go further into the diagnosis process and went to Rush University. Dean has recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Oropharyngeal Cancer. The tumor has attached to the muscles and nerves of the back of the tongue and mouth and possibly near the vocal cords.

Dean and Talea will be traveling to and from Chicago for him to receive the proper testing and treatments.

Dean will receive daily treatments for 7 weeks.

This is a guy who lives his life serving the community and has served his country, unfortunately, public servants do not make a sustainable income. He has served the community his entire life and we're asking the community to serve him for once.
All donations will help cover expenses for the family while Dean battles his FIGHT with cancer, and unable to work. 

Come out and enjoy a spaghetti dinner with the family and help raise money for the Nelson family. Dinner plates will be by donation and include spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread and a drink. There will be raffles, 50/50, kids games, and more! 

Any questions, raffle baskets, or donations, please contact Tagan Timmerman, Ashleigh Schneider, or Phil Flotz.

As always, please pray for Dean and family as they begin this FIGHT against cancer.

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