Blue Island Woman Battling Cancer Gets Assist From ‘Jeanne’s Journey for Hope’

While pregnant with her fourth child two years ago, Becky Frausto was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Then, in September 2015, she received even more disturbing news from doctors: she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

For someone who has been so healthy for her entire life, the bad-to-worse news takes a daily toll. Because Becky’s immune system is already compromised by lupus, as well as asthma, the chemotherapy has been particularly rough on her.

“I was one of those people who got sick only once a year, if that,” says Becky. “Now I have a hard time recalling when I wasn’t sick.”

In the midst of her medical crisis, an ordeal compounded by growing medical expenses, Becky received welcome news in early August: Jeanne’s Journey for Hope (JJFH), a local not-for-profit organization, selected her as its beneficiary this year.

Through a friend who was aware of Jeanne’s Journey for Hope, Becky had been encouraged to apply for the support.

JJFH has established a goal of raising $15,000 for Becky, with the cornerstone event coming from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 17th at the Square Celt Ale House & Grill, 39 Orland Square Drive in Orland Park.

A $50 donation to the fundraiser provides access to bar and food stations. In addition, raffles will be held for items ranging from sports memorabilia and gift baskets to gift cards, services, and bottles of wine and spirits.

The Kurinec siblings founded Jeanne’s Journey for Hope in 2012, several months before their mother, Jeanne, died of colon cancer. They are Orland Park natives: Greg and Michelle are graduates of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, and Jeff is a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park.

The organization is their way of honoring their mother’s lifelong passion for serving others. So far, the foundation has raised more than $35,000 to support the American Cancer Society and help four families pay hospital and medical bills or as income replacement if the disease has resulted in a loss of employment.

“Cancer affects so many families and it can feel so overwhelming,” said Greg Kurinec. “To reach out and help others who are going through a hard time, emotionally and financially, it’s very gratifying.”

“I couldn't believe when they called—I was shocked,” Becky says. “After I got off the phone, I told my husband and started crying. I am very honored to have been chosen.”

To date, Becky has undergone 12 rounds of chemotherapy and her next step is likely to be radiation, pending the results of medical tests on her progress.

She and her husband, Marlon, have four sons: 10-year-old Logan, 8-year-old Cruz, 4-year-old Remy, and 1-year-old E.J.

“It's hard to keep going sometimes when one thing after another happens,” said Becky. “But we have four great boys and everything I do is for them. So no matter what comes our way, we will keep fighting.”

There is still opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to donate items to Jeanne’s Journey for Hope, such as gift cards, gift baskets, memorabilia, services, or bottles of wine and spirits (for raffle purposes).

For more information about contributing a raffle prize, or to purchase a ticket for the event, please email jeannesjourney4hope@gmail.com or contact one of the Kurinecs: Greg (708-769-9182), Michelle (708-307-2903), or Jeff (708-646-3382). Tickets are $50, and can be purchased on the day of the event as well.

For updates, photos of past events and other information, please visit www.facebook.com/JeannesJourneyForHope.