He also made monthly contributions to the Kidney Foundation & Children’s Research Hospitals.
While visiting some CNMI patients at a hospital here in Honolulu, he had the privilege of meeting three resilient teenagers from the commonwealth: Calvin Borja, Erickson Ada and Kuuipo Saures who were undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Frank learned that one of the challenges they faced was communicating with family back home as long distance calls were quite costly.
After leaving the hospital, Frank felt the urge to find a way to help our local youth.
With the assistance of Bruce Jobe, a member of the Honolulu Elks Lodge which supports a variety of charities, programs and scholarships locally and nationally, Shane Fivella and this writer launched their Summer Cancer Drive Event for 2011 via Facebook.
Both also support various local organizations such as the Easter Seals Hawaii and Food Bank of Hawaii.
Through their combined efforts, donations started to trickle in from Chamorros in Texas, Las Vegas and Seattle.
There was also a generous amount sent in from friends in the Honolulu area.
Through these generous contributions, they managed to purchase a laptop for Kuuipo to help her communicate more frequently with her family back home via internet.
They also presented Calvin and Erickson $300 each in cash. The money will allow them to purchase calling cards and school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The group was also pleased to present the teenagers with Magic of Polynesia tickets, courtesy of Roberts Hawaii. A luncheon at Magic Island-Ala Moana Beach Park was held on July 17, 2011 to present donations to Calvin, Erickson and Kuuipo.
It is gratifying to know that compassion is a great asset in life. Through our words and actions we can help each other overcome challenges to make the world a better place.
