Help Support The Frank Avvisato Family

My name is Suzy Willemssen. I'm Kaylie Avvisato's softball coach but more importantly I adored Frank Avvisato. My love for him and his family can't be measured and I know I'm not alone in my feelings for Frank and his family.

Frank was diagnosed with throat cancer in April of 2020. He underwent chemo treatments and things were looking up but unfortunately the cancer came back with a vengeance. In February 2021 Frank had surgery to remove the cancer that had spread to his larynx. The man that loved to laugh, cheer on his kids, tell stories with friends needed to have his voice box removed and sadly not all of the cancer was able to be removed. The cancer continued to grow. One of Frank's biggest joys was watching his daughter Kaylie compete on the softball field and this past spring he would muster up enough energy to attend her HS games. Towards the end of summer and this Fall, his body no longer allowed him to go to be with her at the field. Watching via video streaming he was able to see his little girl do her thing--his eyes would light up and dance seeing her compete-there was no better medicine than those moments and he cherished them.

He went through 5 surgeries, one of which was 18hrs, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy and trial drugs. His last months, the pain he endured, well there are no words that can describe how bad the cancer had ravaged his body. However, through it all he always put his family first. The joys of his life, Kaylie and Anthony, a sophomore at JMU and the love of his life, his wife Karen.

Frank. The kindest, funniest, most amazing husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend. He had the best chuckle and was so giving to others. His memory will live on in all of our hearts and the memories we share, and we all know there are so many amazing memories with Frank. Frank left this earth in the same fashion that he lived his life. Frank was a warrior. His indomitable spirit shined bright to the very end--and still shines bright through his beloved Karen and his two beautiful children, Anthony and Kaylie, who were his world.

Let's show Karen, Anthony and Kaylie how much we love them, not just right now during this most difficult time, but all along the way. They need our help as their financial burden is overwhelming---the medical bills, every day obligations and helping his children reach their dreams. We are all in this together, for Frank and the family.