To support & give back to our friend, Kim Franek

I like many of you have grown to know Kim Franek as the bubbly, warm, go-in-for-a-bear-hug-each-time-she-sees-you kind of human that has been at my vet’s office for so many years. Ever upbeat and compassionate, she has been there in a pinch to make my dogs feel at ease and to assist in any and everything we might need before, during and in between visits. Kim has assisted and is well known among numerous animal rescue organizations in south Jersey for doing the same.

She’s funny, lovable and so easy to be friends with. She values everyone with kindness and for me is no doubt “the good” in this world.

Kim has spreading Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. When I thought about painting a timeline of her cancer, I couldn’t do it. There’s been too many incidences to report - too many chemos, infusions, radiations, scans, procedures and surgeries, drains, procedures and surgeries to fix complications. Insurance denials. All the anxiety that comes with every one of those things. But Kim has joked to make us all feel better, calling herself a lemon and filling her social media with lemon emojis.

And she wrote : “ Cancer has changed me as a person for the better”.

Amazingly we know this to be true. Kim spends her days living more than most any one I know. An avid kick boxer, zip liner, foodie, traveler, dog lover, Kim is ever devoted to her family and friends, her angel Glenn, her dogs Martini and Cooper and is always up for adventure. And, she’s an advocate for others with gynecologic cancers, easily ready to lend empathy and resources.

And until recently Kim was, as mentioned, a hard working manager of a bustling veterinary practice. But shockingly she was let

go. This has been hard to understand- not just because Kim has advanced cancer but because of who Kim is.

It’s a lot to bear. And so now I say let’s get behind our friend. I hope we can make Kim’s life a bit brighter, a bit easier - i can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more and would be as grateful.

If you’re able to donate, share, or just offer emotional support - thank you.