Help Fran and Carol Through This Tough Journey

Dear Friends, Choral Family, and Kind Strangers,

I am reaching out to you today to share the story of my dear friend, Francis McMullen, and his incredible wife, Carol. Fran received a devastating diagnosis of brain cancer, and as you can imagine, this news, the treatment, the disease progression, and the ongoing expenses are overwhelming for them both.

I have known Mr. Fran, as I call him, since 2002, when I was a student at Bloomsburg University and started singing with the Choral Society of NEPA. Fran and Carol took on the role of my Scranton parents, looking after me and caring for me as I was away from home. Their love has not wavered since those first moments.

All of their medical expenses, travel costs, and day-to-day bills are quickly adding up, causing immense stress during an already difficult time. That’s why we’ve set up this GoFundMe campaign to help lighten their financial load. Our goal is to raise funds that will help Fran and Carol focus on what truly matters: Fran’s health, Carol’s mental well-being, and spending precious moments together.

Fran is a beloved member of our community, known for his kindness, wit, dry sense of humor, and unwavering support of those he cares about. He has always been there to lend a helping hand to others in need, and now it’s our turn to support him and Carol. They are navigating this challenging journey together—attending countless doctor appointments, treatments, and surgeries while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Carol and Fran do not know about this GoFundMe, as I know they would be too humble. The plan is to collect until the goal is met or until December 2, 2024, to hopefully lighten the stress of the holidays.

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. Your generosity will not only aid in covering medical expenses and the daily costs associated with Fran’s treatment, including an airlift to Philadelphia and transportation back to Scranton. Fran is currently in NEPA, trying to regain some functioning after his second brain surgery.

Thank you for considering supporting Fran and Carol during this challenging time. Your love, prayers, and financial assistance mean the world to them. Let’s stand together and show them the strength of this community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Katie Young