Finding strength in vulnerability: Frank’s story
Adjusting to a new reality
What began as occasional moments of dizziness soon progressed to shortness of breath and an alarmingly high heart rate. Initially unsure of what was wrong, Frank visited his GP, only to be sent straight to the emergency department. There, doctors discovered he had pleural and pericardial effusions – fluid collecting around his lungs and heart.
“They drained 6 liters of fluid on the spot,” Frank recalls. “It was a huge shock. I went from being out and about the day before to a serious life-threatening emergency in less than 24 hours.”
This marked the beginning of a long and complicated medical journey. Frank went through an initial diagnosis and then a re-diagnosis before finally beginning the correct treatment. Now undergoing chemotherapy, he remains focused on achieving remission, though a stem cell transplant will likely be necessary to secure his recovery.
For Frank, one of the greatest challenges has been the sudden loss of independence – a reality that can be difficult to come to terms with.
“There’s a hard transition you make when you receive a serious medical diagnosis like this one. It can feel de-humanizing – like your body is no longer your own,” he explains. “Everything changes: where you can go, how you look, what you can eat, who you can see. It impacts all aspects of your life and is an ongoing effort to maintain your sense of humanity.”
Despite these challenges, Frank is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his partner, Liz, with whom he has shared 12 years of love and commitment.
“I’m lucky to have the love of my life by my side,” he shares. “While everything changes in an instant, love is still a constant.”
The Power of Education
Before his diagnosis, Frank and Liz had never heard of the stem cell and bone marrow registry. Their experience has since illuminated the vital role the registry plays – and the common misconceptions about it.
“A lot of our friends assumed that because they’d donated blood in the past, they were automatically on the registry – but this isn’t the case,” Frank says.
Their journey has inspired them to become vocal advocates for raising awareness about the registry and the importance of signing up.
“Donating stem cells can sound daunting and scary, but in reality, it’s simple and so easy to do,” Frank explains. “In most cases, it’s very similar to donating blood, but it can directly save a life.”
Finding purpose in the journey
Despite the upheaval of treatment and the uncertainty ahead, Frank has found renewed purpose in living fully and authentically.
“I’ve always tried to live in a way that honors being in the moment,” he reflects. “This diagnosis has only strengthened my resolve that life is truly about having the courage to be vulnerable, to follow your intuition, and to live as your authentic self – no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.”
For Frank, this means making time for the people and activities that bring joy and connection, even amid the challenges of treatment.
“Love, creativity, and authenticity are constants in my life,” he says. “These are the things that keep me going and help me feel like myself.”
A Message of Hope
Frank hopes his story can inspire others to consider the profound impact of joining the registry.
“Often, when we hear about tragedy, we want to help but struggle to find a meaningful way to do so – stem cell and bone marrow donation is a tangible way to help,” he says. “Finding a match can be tricky, so the more people on the registry, the better chance we have.”
Frank also emphasizes the diversity needed on the registry. His heritage – Cypriot Maronite and Sicilian – underscores how essential it is for people from all ethnic backgrounds to sign up, as a patient’s best chance of finding a match often comes from someone who shares their ancestry.
“It’s a rare opportunity to be able to directly save someone’s life, but this registry makes it possible,” Frank shares. “A simple action like joining could grant someone the precious gift of time – a chance at life they might not otherwise have.”
Moving forward
As he continues treatment, Frank remains hopeful and determined to make the most of every moment. Whether advocating for the registry, connecting with others, or simply enjoying life’s simple pleasures, he embraces the courage and vulnerability required to navigate this journey.
For Frank, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but it’s also filled with purpose. “Life is precious,” he says. “We all have the chance to create meaning and to help others in ways we may never have imagined.”
A Message from Liz
“Frank is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets. With his bright laugh, kind-hearted nature, and passion for storytelling, he brings a special kind of joy to those around him. Creative, empathetic, and endlessly curious, Frank has always been someone who connects deeply with others.
He’s the man I love with my whole heart, and I know how much he means to so many. Right now, Frankie needs our help in a way that reflects his own generous spirit.”
As a member of the stem cell registry, you’ve taken an incredible step in helping people like Frank. Now, we’re asking for your help to share his story and expand the registry even further.
By encouraging your eligible friends and family to sign up, you could play a vital role in finding the match Frank needs. The more people who join, the better the chance of finding lifesaving matches for patients around the world.
Together, we can give Frank – and so many others like him – the hope and time they need. Find out more about patients like Frank currently looking for their life-saving match on our appeals page here.
