Carioco (Frank)

Hi, I’m Cassie, and I’m reaching out to help support our dear friend Carioco — who I know many of you also call a friend.

Carioco is currently in the ICU after he was stabbed while courageously stepping in to defend a woman from an attacker. His injuries include a stab wound nearly 16 cm deep to his chest. Though it's a miracle he survived, his recovery journey is just beginning, and he has a long road ahead.

He’s not asking for help, but I am. Carioco urgently needs support to cover nutritious meals and essential items that family members and friends will need to bring to him daily. Hospital stays like this are difficult to navigate in any situation, and for his loved ones here, the costs are overwhelming. Just being able to visit, bring food, or offer a comforting smile requires fuel and resources that are increasingly hard to come by.

As he (hopefully) transitions out of the ICU, he’ll also need to provide his own medication — something that, while thankfully provided in the ICU, will become an additional burden soon.

His elderly mother, who relies on him, faces her own health struggles, and his family has few resources to spare, especially during these challenging times with scarce electricity and food.

Unfortunately, right now Ronnie and I cannot sustain the level of financial help needed to support both Carioco and his mother for the weeks he’ll be in the hospital.

So, I’m asking for your help.

Many of you know Carioco well and have seen firsthand his kindness, loyalty, and genuine spirit. He’s a man who would do anything for those he loves, caring selflessly for his elderly mother and animals (which Ronnie will be looking after for him). He doesn’t have a wife or children, but I’ve always believed he’d make the most loving husband and father. For now, he has us, his close friends, and a small family who want to support him but are struggling to cover his immediate needs.

If you’re able, please consider contributing to help Carioco through this incredibly difficult time. Every bit counts, and together, we can make sure he receives the care, love, and essentials he needs to fully recover.

Thank you for anything you can do to support him.