Community Steps Up for Beloved Coach
Ed Fraine, his wife Patricia, and three daughters, Danielle, Lauren, and Erin. (From Fraine’s GoFundMe page.)
By David Dunbar
“A February 7th we will never forget. It started as a typical day of calls and meetings. Later in the evening, several of us were meeting in Boston to have dinner with Ed Fraine, a colleague and friend. One phone call from Ed’s wife, Tricia, instantly changed the day. Ed asked her to call and let us know he was not able to meet for dinner. After experiencing some memory lapses and balance issues, Tricia, like any good spouse, demanded he seek medical attention.”
And so it began. Matt Marchbanks, a family friend and organizer of a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help with all the expenses associated with being diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, wrote the above on the GoFundMe website. Fraine, 58, lives with his family in Bellingham.
The good news is that doctors at Tufts Medical Center say that 75% of the tumors will respond to treatment.
“Ed was a fixture on the sidelines of Youth Soccer fields for years, and the outpouring of well wishes from the girls he coached, and their families is truly rewarding,” says Ed’s brother, Denis Frane who is also Bellingham’s Town Manager. “Ed’s coaching began with youth basketball running the ‘Swish Kids’ program and continued right up through coaching Girl’s U16 Soccer. Ed’s quick wit and light-heartedness made the experience what it was supposed to be; a lot of fun.”
Marchbanks continues, “Anyone who has met Ed Fraine can’t help but smile, laugh and walk away thinking about what a kind, gentle giant he is. Ed is a great family man -- adoring wife Tricia, and their daughters: Danielle, Lauren and Erin. The Fraines open their home to family and friends on any occasion. And a word to the wise, don’t EVER bet against Ed when it comes to his beloved Boston sports teams! He can recall players, stats, and games like an encyclopedia. On a professional level, Ed has worn many hats in the healthcare industry and has influenced hundreds of colleagues, clients, and employees along the way.”
“To enable them to focus all their attention on Ed, his friends and colleagues,” adds Marchbanks, “would like to help defray some of the expenses they will be faced with: modifications to their home, drives to Boston, accommodations, treatment and recovery. If you are inclined and able to help, the Fraine family would be so appreciative.”
You can go to www.gofundme.com and search for Ed Fraine to contribute.
The community has shown its support. As of this writing, more than $56,000 has been contributed. The biggest donation was $2,000 and the total of donations (258) averaged $217 so far and many were $1,000 or more. The campaign started on February 7 and is very active today.
Some of the GoFundMe posts from donors:
“You got this Coach!!! ❤️ ”
“Wishing you and your family all the best!”
“Keeping you all in our prayers! Ed, you have always been there for everyone and now you have a village behind you! You’ve got this!”
“Love you, big guy!”
“Fight hard, big Ed. The love from God, family and friends will get you through this. Get well!”
“A good friend of mine recently beat this; sending prayers and positivity for your recovery.”
“Ed is ready for the fight of his life,” says Marchbanks, “and will lead the way, his family and friends will be his guides, leaning posts, care takers and cheerleaders.”
