Aid Franny's Healing Journey and Shop

Hi. This is Donna Surface. I am writing about my younger sister, Francine.

Franny is 5 years younger than me, but people think we are twins, and in many ways, we are. I always seem to know when she is in trouble. I get a feeling. We are very close. I call her my baby - she is my heartbeat.

Franny is unique in so many ways. She is tiny but mighty. She has operated her own corporation and shop for over 40 years, Custom Coastal Fabrication, in Merritt Island, Florida. All alone in her vast shop, she builds small to gigantic parts for boats, cars, and the government. She lifts heavy molds herself and grinds and refines fiberglass parts to perfection. Her work is considered the best in the business.

14 years ago, Franny was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through chemo and radiation and then continued with her life as a fabricator. However, this year she learned that through the years, her work was harming the area near her surgery. The radiation from 14 years ago had damaged her skin, and now that skin was tearing away from her body. This December, Franny underwent the first in what will be 3 surgeries during the course of a year and a half to reconstruct the damaged area. She cannot lift anything. She cannot work. She has to be very careful because the area is very fragile and vulnerable. If she doesn't do what the doctors are telling her, she will be disfigured for the rest of her life. And it is unsure how much of the 3 separate surgeries insurance will cover. Each phase requires a 6-month recovery time before the next procedure can be done. We are praying that the final procedure will restore her.

I am devastated for her. She is not married. She will lose her shop. She will lose her home. Pat and I want to do what we can to help, but our resources are limited. I am hoping to raise enough funds to get her through this time. Franny is the sweetest, most generous person in the world. She has given away so much. She is always helping out family and friends financially - to the point where she completely diminished her savings by lending money to an individual who has yet to pay her back. If you are able, please help my sis. If you can donate even a little, that would be so appreciated. Thank you.