A message from Sandra Murray, “the Colonel”

This heart felt message is to all those who knew and loved Frank, as well as the many compassionate doctors, caregivers, and the business community who supported him:

With my broken heart, I am saddened to share that Frank Stribling passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 1:45am. I was by his side at Denver Health, as we said prayers and blessed his soul into heaven with all of your love surrounding him.

Frank was my hero, my best friend and an inspiration to everyone he met. He courageously battled the pain of bone marrow cancer and kidney failure for over five years. As Frank would say, “Colonel, I don’t stop till I drop.” And he didn’t! He drove himself to dialysis three times a week, infusion twice a week, and kept going, “Colonel, the only thing that keeps me going, is knowing that we are all going.”

Frank & Dr. Brown

Frank knew that if it hadn’t been for the great caretakers at Denver Health and East Side Clinic, his friends and having someone by his side who cared for him, he would not have survived this battle for this long. He didn’t mind being in front of the camera or having his picture taken with so many people. He wanted his story told and his message shared, "Never give up, no matter what."

Frank spent the last years of his life, enjoying living in the “House that Faith Built” in Park Hill and so appreciated what the community did for him.

View the video of Frank's Surprise Homecoming Celebration.


Click here for our Photo Gallery

See more on how our community came together to help Frank find peace and joy: www.thenurturefoundation.org

Thank you everyone for your love and compassion. Although Frank is not here with us, it is with his spirit in mind that we will continue to carry on his legacy. Help us to keep helping others and please make a small donation for Frank’s legacy.

Sandra Murray, “The Colonel”
Sandra@contagiousmedia.net
303.399.6603

Thank you to his extended family and friends who helped Frank along the way:

Adam Dempsey, Mike Russell, Mark Klosterman, My mother, Nola Horchler, My sisters, Barb and Peggy, my cousin, Tommy Horchler, Barbara Kelley, Chloe St. Clair, Kim Leonard, Christopher Wogan and Zero Point Studio, Idelle and Todd Fisher, Victoria Stephens, Mindy Martin, Les, Mason Parmenter, Laurie and Sam Allen, Laurie Martin, Ivan Fears, George Araneo, Chris and Joan, Richard Johnston, Nick Haza, Jake Vanderslice, Jim Parker, Larry Smith, Niki Bertoglio, Liberti Kimball, Jamie Van Leeuwen, Denver Road Home, Judith Mattizi, Dora Hermann, Dawn Love, Chris Fuselier and Blake Street Tavern, Ramon and Senor Pepe’s staff, Beth Hanlon, Sandy Adams, Pam Rubins, Ron Vaughn, Tom Walje, Faye Ganley, Rich Salturelli and the CityGrille staff, Ralph Bronk and the Mountain High staff, Bruce Wilhelm, Mike Vandenheede, Dr. Mardus - Comfort Dental, Bob Cote – Step 13, Arc Stores and Goodwill, Raymond Wentz Foundation, Leukemia Foundation, Rocky Mountain Cancer Foundation, Dr. Kevin Brown, Dr. Rebecca Hanratty, Dr. Christine Thienelt., Donna, Mary and the gals at DH infusion, Dr. Melissa Yanover and the Fresenius dialysis team, all the nurses and doctors who took care of him at Denver Health, Steve Kelley, Tony Kovaleski, The Denver Channel, Blaine Howerton, his friends at the VA; Ian, George, Rebecca, and all the wonderful people and companies who donated to the House that Faith built. There were so many people who loved Frank, so if we missed saying thank you, please know Frank cared deeply about everyone.

His greatest joy over the past 2 years was his Jack Russell, Jackson. Frank got him at 4 months old, and he surely kept Frank going – Jackie Boy as he called him.

Sorry if we missed anyone!
Be sure to visit our website, thenurturefoundation.org to see all the supporters who helped Frank.

Frank’s wishes were to help other veterans have a chance to change their lives like he did. We will be partnering with other organizations that are helping our veterans.

Please make a donation, so that we can carry on our mission and Frank’s legacy
Tell your friends, and let’s help people in need.