Already an accomplished long distance hiker, Dean found his plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) upended when he was diagnosed with head & neck cancer. 

It would take more than six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy to slow him down. In fact Dean’s diagnosis provided him with additional purposed as he chose to use the hike to help raise awareness of head and neck cancer and SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer)

Take a listen as we dive into not only the challenges of hiking the PCT, but also the added burden of hiking just a few months out of cancer treatment, the gear and fueling for walking thousands of miles and the joy that comes with finishing a challenge after battling a life threatening disease.

SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head Cancer)

https://www.spohnc.org

Additional SPOHNC resources

Dean’s YouTube Channel, DEAN’S LIST

https://www.youtube.com/@deanslist4458/featured

HPV Vaccine Information from the Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292

Dean’s PCT Gear Review Post Hike

https://youtu.be/ZwuZWgh4mb0?si=0yqrgM5VL3mKiGZ8

Melanzana - Home to the World’s Greatest (in my opinion) Hoody

https://melanzana.com