Dean – Leukemia & Lymphoma Survivor

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

My name is Dean Hall, age 66, born and raised in Portland OR. Went to college in Kansas and married a Kansas girl and lived there for 30 years until she died of brain cancer in 2010.

I was originally diagnosed with CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in 2007. Recovered and was managing it well until my wife died. Within a year, in 2011, my leukemia came back and brought with it lymphoma. It compounded by the trauma/tragedy of losing my wife made recovery very difficult. I got down to 152 lb.s and was by 2013 not expected to make it past a year. I decided to trade “fighting cancer” for “loving life” since I had so little life left and that changed everything. I decided to try to challenge myself to inspire other cancer patients to refuse to be defined by their diagnosis by following my example of becoming the first person in history to swim the entire 187 mile length of Oregon’s longest river (the Willamette).

I trained for a year in a pool and then in 2014 I swam on average 10-12 miles a day for 22 days in 42-45F water. This swim unexpectedly threw my leukemia into a radial remission (which with CLL is not supposed to be possible). My oncologist told me that if he hadn’t diagnosed me himself, he would have believed I had been misdiagnosed. When my lymphoma got aggressive afterwards, I looked for ways that I could implement nature as a recovery strategy again since the river swim had been so powerfully healing. I found Dr. Qing Li’s research on forest bathing and started going into the wilderness for a full day every Friday in May of 2015. By March of 2016, my lymphoma was gone. I have now been no evidence of disease for over 10 years and continue to maintain my routine of weekly forest bathing and nature connection. I am happy to report that I am happier and healthier than I have ever been.

I’m a therapist. I help cancer patients and chronic illness clients around the world. I also work with anyone who is experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout and trauma. I work with high level entrepreneurs and professional athletes to help them use nature to alleviate performance anxiety as well.

What inspired you to be involved in the Underwater Transformation Project?

Water healed my cancer and saved my life. I thought it was a perfect fit. Plus! Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to work with an artist like Erena who is so gifted and adding such value and inspiration to our world?!!

What were your goals for the photo shoot?

My only goal was to get out of Erena’s way and let her do her art. My expectation was only for myself. I promised myself to be relaxed and do whatever it took for her to get what she needed for her work. I hope we reached her goals.

How was the experience of an underwater portrait session?

I have spent weeks and weeks (practically years) in wild waters, so I consider myself a waterman. The session was easy and Erena made even the posing part of the photoshoot extremely relaxed and comfortable…even enjoyable.

How was your mood after you finished your photoshoot?

My mood after the shoot was hopeful. Erena seemed happy with our work. I hoped she had gotten what she needed.

What does WATER mean to you?

Water to me is life. It was through my river swim I was given the miracle of a totally unexpected recovery. I have continued to swim in rivers and lakes around the world since and promote its power and our need to wake up and realize how vitally important our waterways are to our future happiness and health. I am definitely a cold water guy. Places like Hawaii, while idyllic to most, are not as enjoyable to me, because the water is way too warm.

Do you think this experience could help people with cancer and trauma?

I would encourage anyone to join Erena for this experience no matter what their challenge is currently. My biggest tip would be to know your limitations, communicate them to yourself and Erena and then simply relax and let the water lead.

Would you go back to the water to do a photo shoot again?

Anytime Erena wants to collaborate with me I am in. She is a deep thinker and beautiful artist. Next time, I would like to do a shoot out in a wild waterway.

How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot?

There was no visible difference for me. I spend a good portion of my life in water much more challenging than a pool. Water environments are places I am very comfortable in.

How was Erena working with you?

Erena was amazing. She was kind hearted and patient and good at communicating what she wanted me to do. She gave clear, easy to understand guidance and if/when I didn’t get what she wanted the first time, she gave me as many chances as I needed to do it over until she was pleased with the results. My advice for any future participants is remember how gifted she is at what she does and trust her to lead you.

What’s your dream?

My dream is that Erena get even more attention worldwide and fulfills her dream of inspiring the world with her mission and message. I also hope that her work continues to encourage cancer and trauma survivors to remember that nature has nearly unlimited power to regulate our nervous systems and heal our minds and bodies.

I want to tell the world that if a 54 year old active cancer patient who had never been on a swim team or won a swim race in his life can find a way to accomplish his dream of swimming 187 miles you can accomplish your dream too. My advice for all cancer patients is to- 1. Be your own best advocate…it is your life, not your doctors. 2. Don’t spend your life “chasing the cure” so that one day you can live. Live now even when life is ugly and hard. Trade fighting cancer for loving life way before your life looks lovable on paper or to anyone else. It will not only help you recover, but it is the secret to happiness long after cancer is gone.