Lung cancer champion
“Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease; anyone with lungs can get it. Don’t ignore a persistent cough or shortness of breath. Don’t wait. Early diagnosis could change everything.”
Dean’s story
Sadly, Dean has passed away. We honour his family’s wish to share his story in the hope that it will help others find lung cancer as early as possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to his wife, Annette, for her courage in sharing his story.
Dean was a loving father, husband, and a hard working contractor in the construction industry. He was the kind of man who was always there for others, whether it was through his job, his volunteering with the SES, or simply being there for mates. He didn’t believe in going to the doctor. “I don’t get sick,” he used to say.
But around a year before his diagnosis, Dean developed a chesty cough and started experiencing chest pains. He brushed it off, kept working long hours, and used his busy schedule as a reason to skip appointments.
It wasn’t until about nine months later, when the cough worsened and his energy started to drop, that his wife convinced him to go to the doctor. Three months later, Dean was admitted to the hospital, where they discovered he had lung cancer and it had spread to most of his organs. He was given just weeks to live.
The chemotherapy made him very sick very quickly. He stopped eating, lost weight, and became physically weak. This was something that frustrated him deeply, as he was someone who had always been strong and independent. Emotionally, it was even harder. Dean cried a lot and kept apologising for everything that was happening, and asked that only close family visit. He didn’t want his grandchildren to see him like that.
He passed away three weeks later in palliative care.
His passing changed everything. His wife had to step into full-time work, manage the household, and care for their family, all while grieving. Support from her children and understanding employers helped, but the loss remains deeply felt.
His wife’s message
“If I could tell the world one thing, it’s that smoking steals futures. Lung cancer took someone who gave everything to others.”
“Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease; anyone with lungs can get it. Don’t ignore a persistent cough or shortness of breath. Don’t wait. Early diagnosis could change everything.”
