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The Wild Cure: From Death to Life on Oregon's Longest River
In 2013, three years after the death of his wife, Dean Hall was losing his battle with leukemia and lymphoma. In his mind, he had two choices: Let the cancer have its way or go all-in on a big dream to prove to himself and the world that his diagnosis did not define him.
Dean’s dream? Become the first person in history to swim the entirety of the Willamette, Oregon’s longest river.
His doctors told him it was dangerous. His family told him it was crazy. Others quipped that it was impossible.
And yet, he persisted.
After months of training in the pool, Dean stepped into the headwaters of the Willamette and began the 187-mile journey toward the mouth of the river with nothing but a dream, the drive, and his 79-year-old father in a kayak to lead the way. He could not foresee what would become of his cancer or himself when he started out. All he knew was that if he was going to die, he was going to do it pursuing his dreams.
The Wild Cure is the true story of how a dying man’s impossible ambition became the very thing that had the power to save him. Told through braided interviews, Dean’s story is relived by the family and friends who were closely involved during his journey.
Part memoir, part oral history, The Wild Cure raises the important question: What does it mean to truly be alive?
Dean’s dream? Become the first person in history to swim the entirety of the Willamette, Oregon’s longest river.
His doctors told him it was dangerous. His family told him it was crazy. Others quipped that it was impossible.
And yet, he persisted.
After months of training in the pool, Dean stepped into the headwaters of the Willamette and began the 187-mile journey toward the mouth of the river with nothing but a dream, the drive, and his 79-year-old father in a kayak to lead the way. He could not foresee what would become of his cancer or himself when he started out. All he knew was that if he was going to die, he was going to do it pursuing his dreams.
The Wild Cure is the true story of how a dying man’s impossible ambition became the very thing that had the power to save him. Told through braided interviews, Dean’s story is relived by the family and friends who were closely involved during his journey.
Part memoir, part oral history, The Wild Cure raises the important question: What does it mean to truly be alive?
- GenresNonfiction
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2023
25 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 11, 2025
A remarkable story of how nature heals!
March 16, 2025
Encouragement at its Finest
I have had a rare and fast growing cancer, and it seemed the only option at that time was chemo and then a single mastectomy, which all felt overwhelming and heartbreaking since I had been a big exerciser and ate clean and organic.
Sadly, cancer may have spread as tiny nodules on lungs and something in the middle of a kidney from the chemo.
I do many alternative therapies and have toyed with cold plunge. It’s almost like my body craves it now after experimenting. I love walking barefoot at the ocean and I cold plunge there when the ocean temp is cold enough. Otherwise, I use the tub. How I would love an actual cold plunge tub, but for now the tub and blocks of ice is it. This book keeps me keeping on.
I have had a rare and fast growing cancer, and it seemed the only option at that time was chemo and then a single mastectomy, which all felt overwhelming and heartbreaking since I had been a big exerciser and ate clean and organic.
Sadly, cancer may have spread as tiny nodules on lungs and something in the middle of a kidney from the chemo.
I do many alternative therapies and have toyed with cold plunge. It’s almost like my body craves it now after experimenting. I love walking barefoot at the ocean and I cold plunge there when the ocean temp is cold enough. Otherwise, I use the tub. How I would love an actual cold plunge tub, but for now the tub and blocks of ice is it. This book keeps me keeping on.
August 28, 2023
Dean Hall's story of having two types of cancer is heartbreaking. He finds the strength to swim the entire length of the Willamette River in the state of Oregon. The process takes him several months. He chronicles the swim from memory and recounts it in a journalistic fashion. His story is very moving. You can see he has a strong will to live and he is a loving family man. Doctors, nurses, students and people with an interest in human biology and overcoming difficulties in life can learn a lot from reading this remarkable achievement of Dean Hall.
September 25, 2025
I really liked this book! Been wanting to read it for a while and I found it cheap on my kindle. It’s a cool book because the plot is inherently heavy and heartfelt, but it’s actually a rather light and easy read! I’d definitely reread it!
February 20, 2024
An inspiring read!!
December 23, 2024
Absolutely amazing and inspiring!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews