Look on the right column of this blog. Scroll down. When you do, you'll find something called "The Blogosphere Medal of Service." It's given by this blog to people who have given deeply of themselves, in order to help others in the blogosphere and beyond. It's given to people who make this medium a better place by being a part of it. There's only one person in the blogosphere who has earned 2 of these awards from us. That person is Dean Esmay. Without Dean, Paul "Chief Wiggles" Holton might still be an obscure figure, instead of someone whose efforts were publicly recognized by his President. Without Dean, the Iraqi Toy Drive would not have taken off the way it did - or it may have folded when confronted by problems early on. Without Dean, over 50 bloggers would not have received new online homes, at cost, when their Blogger.com powered service proved too unreliable to continue. There are a lot of people out there whose lives are better because of Dean. But now Dean needs your help. And Dean's family needs your help. Donations, yes, but also a hand extended. Friendship. Support. He's walking a dark road, and a friend's hand may make the difference between finding a better road or remaining in darkness. The guy who has helped so many others, now needs yours.