Benefit for local Vietnam era veteran this Saturday

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling of the tissues in your digestive tract. This often leads to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than half a million people in the United States have Crohn's disease.

Dean Allen Young has been fighting Crohn's disease since age 18. Not

letting that slow him down, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. After his return, he worked consistently for the next 40 years, working his way up from night stockman to management.

Young suffers from extreme and constant abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, and bowel obstructions that he has had surgery to repair twice. He is also fighting a secondary diagnosis of Crohn's: stage 3b kidney failure, kidney stones, and electrolyte imbalance. Treatments include weekly infusions in Indianapolis.

Ever a hard worker and family man, Young has four children and ten grandchildren. He even still works part-time for PLM marketing, doing product resets inside Kroger.

"Even through his serious condition, he never shows that he's in pain and you would never even know," described daughter Deana Batchelor. "(He) always has a smile on his face."

Young can often be found spending time with his family, bowling, watching western movies, and attending St. Louis Cardinals games if he is healthy enough to travel. He has also been busy executing one of the biggest fundraising golf scrambles in Clay Community for 13 consecutive years, but his health caused him to step down.

"13 annual CCFA golf scrambles raised thousands of dollars that went to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Dad so desperately wants to help find a cure for this painful disease. That's his dream. He even used to participate in a CCFA marathon when he was healthy enough," said Batchelor.

Batchelor explained that the notion of a fundraiser came to fruition with the help of family, close friends, and the American Legion Post 2. The hope is not only to raise money for treatments, medical bills, and travel but, more than anything, to make lasting memories.

"I wanted to put together an event to make some wonderful memories with Dad and give the people who love him the opportunity to visit with him and show him the love and support he deserves," explained Batchelor.

Though initially reluctant, Young agreed to let his loved ones plan the event after having them cancel the first.

"Dad has a lot of pride and was reluctant about letting me have this event," said Deana. "I planned it back in April originally and canceled it because he felt as if he was asking for help, which he would never do. I begged him, and finally, he agreed because it's more about the time we all get to spend together and show him how much he is loved. I think that's the most important part."

The Dean Young Benefit will be held at The American Legion Post 2 (10 N. Depot Street) on Saturday, September 28, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is kid-friendly, and children are welcome in the non-bar area.

The benefit includes an all-you-can-eat ham and bean dinner with traditional or jalapeņo cornbread. The dinner is free, or you may donate.

Several items are available in the silent auction, including dinner for two at Piloni's Italian Steakhouse (appetizer, entree, and dessert included), a bullwhip, a homemade axe, collectible Elvis memorabilia, a homemade wreath, gift baskets, homemade afghans, and other items, plus pies and other desserts.

Also available at the benefit is a 50/50 raffle and a liquor wagon raffle that includes over $500 worth of liquor plus a new canvas wagon (tickets for the wagon raffle can be bought during business hours at the American Legion and are $10/ticket or 3/$25.) There will also be an auction of a Michelob Ultra keg with Tap donated by Rollo's House of Spirits.

Young is in good spirits and will be at the event.

Donations by cash or check (made payable to Dean Yong) can be made at the benefit, or cashless contributions can be made via Cash App and Venmo.