If you grew up around Toms River or ever headed down Route 37 toward Seaside, there’s a good chance you know my dad, Frank. He was the owner of Cosmic Surf Shop — a legendary surf hub that supported Jersey Shore locals and beach-goers for over 30 years. Old-school NJ longboarder. Proud hippie. Original Woodstock attendee. Instigator in the crazy stories his friends still tell for a laugh. Growing up, I constantly heard, “Your father is crazy…” and I just knew that meant he had a way of making life memorable.

He’s also the most stubborn person I know. Beyond reason. And that hasn’t changed, even now. Since being diagnosed with leukemia (a blood cancer) in August of last year, he’s been caught escaping hospital rooms, making friends with nursing staff and other patients, promoting his old surf shop (which he still promises is reopening next summer), and generally giving cancer a run for its money. His tolerance of chemo and unwavering sarcasm through it all has been admirable, to say the least. He’s absolutely not quitting anytime soon.

Now we’re preparing for a bone marrow transplant that our family is hopeful will save his life. The road ahead looks tough: hospital stays, recovery time, and a lot of logistics that come with something this big. Thankfully, insurance is covering a bulk of the major medical costs, which we’re incredibly grateful for. But the practical, everyday expenses that support his care through this process add up quickly. Funds raised will help cover transportation to and from hospital and transplant appointments, travel and lodging for transplant care, out-of-pocket medical costs, prescription medications, post-transplant recovery supplies, caregiving costs, in-home recovery support, and daily living expenses during Frank’s extended treatment and recovery.

My birthday is March 17 and Frank’s is April 9. Instead of gifts this year, I’m asking family and friends to donate or share this story. I’ve never run a fundraiser before, and this isn’t something I ever thought I’d be doing. But I’m doing what I can for my father, and I’d truly appreciate your help.

If you’ve ever hung around Cosmic, caught a wave with him, been a character in one of those crazy stories, or just appreciate a stubborn Jersey surf legend who won’t give in to the system, this is a chance to show up for him. Frank’s favorite Muhammad Ali quote ends with, “The will must be stronger than the skill.” He’s carrying it with him every day... and yes, he’s pulling it up on his phone to show every nurse he meets.

Thank you.