New Haven – Dan Franko, a local cancer survivor, is set to ride 25 miles in the upcoming Closer to Free Ride on Saturday, Sept. 19. Franko’s journey began when a routine colonoscopy led doctors to discover a tumor in his esophagus. An immediate treatment plan of chemotherapy and immunotherapy was put in place, and thanks to advances in cancer research he avoided radiation at that stage.
Rapid response and unexpected challenges
Franko praised the confidence of the team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, noting that his doctors presented a clear plan rather than uncertainty. “It was comforting to me because there wasn’t a question,” he said. “They weren’t like, ‘Oh, we’ve never seen this before.’ It’s like, no, here’s the plan.”
Before surgery could remove his esophagus and reposition his stomach, doctors found that the tumor had responded so well to treatment that it was no longer detectable. However, shortly thereafter a second diagnosis emerged – a brain tumor. Franko described the shock of facing another cancer diagnosis just weeks after the first.
Targeted treatment and recovery
He underwent a targeted Gamma Knife radiation procedure for the brain tumor, a precise, non‑invasive treatment. “You just lay there and it’s very targeted – takes care of the cancer,” Franko recalled. “They’re like, ‘It’s gone.’” After completing chemotherapy and moving onto maintenance immunotherapy, he credits the progress of cancer research and the funding that supports it for his recovery.
Riding for a cause
Franko’s participation in the Closer to Free Ride is both a personal milestone and a fundraiser for patient programs, support services, and ongoing cancer research. He highlighted the importance of his supportive employer and health insurance, noting that many people lack those advantages. “I wanted to be able to give back, in any way that I can,” he said.
Beyond personal achievement, Franko hopes the ride will demonstrate his resilience to friends and family who struggled to believe he had fully recovered. “Part of it is proving to myself that I can do it and also, I think people have a hard time believing that I’ve recovered, like I have,” he explained.
Family and community support
Franko will not ride alone. His mother‑in‑law, wife, son, and other family members will join him on ride day, creating a supportive environment for all participants. “I think it’s going to be emotional for everyone,” he said. “We’ve collectively – family and friends – my wife and my son, we all went through this insane experience.” The event will bring together thousands of cancer survivors, caregivers, and supporters, offering a safe space to share emotions and celebrate progress.
The Closer to Free Ride, organized by local volunteers and health advocates, underscores the power of community‑driven fundraising in the fight against cancer. By highlighting personal stories like Franko’s, the event aims to inspire others to contribute, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply cheering on the riders.
Looking ahead
As Franko prepares for the ride, he remains focused on his health and the broader mission of supporting cancer patients across Connecticut. “We’ll do that among thousands of other people whose lives have been affected by cancer,” he said, emphasizing the collective strength of the community.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
