7000.00

Frank's story

Brief version: A great, 50-year-old single Dad has suddenly died of a heart attack. For years he lived with Berger's and peripheral artery disease, loosing both legs just below the knees. He had no income which is why his three young adult children supported what they could while attending college and working fulltime. For a more detailed version

The rest of the story: I wish to keep this brief but every life deserves a moment to be seen.

I met our neighbor Frank years ago. He was a funky, kind single father who seemed stacked with stubborn obstacles that he had little or no resources to resolve. Despite this, the one area he would not allow life's struggles touch too deeply was his children. I learned he was afflicted with Berger's and peripheral artery disease. Both conditions rob the limbs of good blood circulation. With time, his toes, parts of his feet, and lower legs were amputated to remove dying limbs that caused extreme pain from ever-present infections.

His fiery dedication to his children drove past his failing body seeking any opportunities to make sure his three children got to good schools. This, despite having to drive 30 minutes across town with no gas money, most often jobless, and rapidly deteriorating health. Most jobs wouldn't pay enough or allow him the schedule to make that long morning and afternoon drive to get them there. Still, he did this daily for years while pasting life together with part time jobs, food stamps, and chronic visits to doctors and denied disability applications. The last while of his life he could no longer walk and was wheel chair bound.

He managed to attain his goal. His two daughters are in college. Maryfrancis will graduate in December with a degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She plans to become a forensic psychologist. Katie is at MGTC working towards becoming a Radiologist. Sabino kept company with his father when not at work. His last wish was for his leg to heal and be able to wear a prosthesis to attend Maryfrancis graduation in December.

His was not able to create a path to sustain savings and plans for a sudden end to his life. His children are not in the position to honor the life of their single parent and his tenacious sacrifice in giving them a good start. We appreciate any gift of any size to help his children memorialize his life and his efforts in a way that they will feel good about.