Ed Fraine’s Courageous Battle

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.

It all happened so fast: a trip to the ER; an ambulance ride to Tufts Medical Center; an MRI/CT of the head; a biopsy. Within a matter of days, Ed was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer: Glioblastoma grade 4/4. So many questions. Why? How? How long ago did his symptoms actually start? What is his prognosis? When can treatment start?

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 Tricia and their daughters: Danielle, Lauren and Erin. The Fraines open their home to family and friends on any occasion and seek relaxation at their summer retreat on Elmo Lane at Wingaersheek Beach. 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.

Ed’s doctors feel that 75% of the tumors will respond with treatment. The original plan was for treatment to begin in six weeks, however given the aggressiveness, Ed is already experiencing declines and will begin chemotherapy on Thursday, February 29th.

Ed and Trish are an amazing team. Ed would be the first one to tell you she is the boss and he wouldn’t be where he is without her. Of course, Trish deflects these compliments and attributes their successes to Ed. This bond will help them tremendously as they climb this mountain ahead of them. Ed is ready for the fight of his life and will lead the way, his family and friends will be his guides, leaning posts, care takers and cheerleaders.

To enable them to focus all of their attention on Ed, his friends and colleagues 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’ve got this, Ed, and you have an army behind you ready to help.