Support Everett's health journey

Paul Frank is organizing this fundraiser.

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We wanted to share some news about our son Everett. About mid-July, he had a minor injury to his left ribs while playing basketball. He most likely fractured the rib, but after several weeks without seeing improvement and experiencing increased pain/discomfort, we began doing further imaging (x-ray) of the affected area. After a subsequent MRI and biopsy of an identified mass, he has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor (osteosarcoma) on/in his 8th left rib. As you can imagine, this news was shocking to us and our family....lots of tears, hugging, sharing with his sisters, immediate family members, friends and a general feeling of the world being turned upside down. It is still unbelievable in some ways.

Thankfully and very critically, it is confirmed that the tumor is isolated to his 8th left rib. Lungs, heart, neck, brain, abdomen and musculoskeletal system are all perfectly normal and healthy! And most importantly, it is a type of cancerous tumor that can be completely cured. It is very serious, no doubt, but we are grateful that we are able to treat him, with hope and plans for full recovery. We will walk the hard road of chemotherapy, surgery to remove his rib, countless doctor and diagnostic appointments, and many ups and downs of the physical toll on his body over the next 9 months. In fact, on September 22 he had an IV access port surgically implanted and started his chemotherapy immediately following. Nearly all his appointments and procedures will take place at Children's Hospital in Denver (Aurora). It will be a bit of a second home for us for awhile, and we are so grateful for the amazing surgeons, medical oncology and nursing teams we are partnered with. They are truly our heroes right now.

So many have asked us how they can help, and honestly it is hard to ask for and accept help. But, we know we cannot do this without a strong community and team. Here’s our biggest needs as we see them today:

Reaching out and spending face-to-face time with Everett and our family, texting, calling, playing video games, going on a walk/bike ride, etc. He will be missing a lot of school, his entire basketball season and many other events, so seeing and hearing from friends and having connections is so critical for him and our family.
We already have and will continue to have hospital, medical and transportation costs for our time at Children’s hospital. There are new dietary, dental and medical expenses related to extra support for Everett's needs at home. We are grateful to have good health insurance, however we are (easily) hitting all our deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums this year and next. There is zero expectation, but if you feel compelled and would like to donate to help the Franks cover some of these expenses, please click the 'Donate Now' link on this page.

Lastly, along with the incredible medical teams that will be treating and eliminating this tumor from Everett’s body, we are hopeful and leaning on God for strength, wisdom and healing to get through this. We need support, love and prayer for Everett and our family thru this time. We are blown away by Everett’s strength as we have all been thrust into this season, we are so proud of him. Please believe with us, let hope rise!

#FranksForever

Much love,

Paul, Meagan, Everett, Elaina, Aubrey