Frank Caprio is a popular and well-known judge on Television. Before his term as a judge, his prestigious career history also included being a lawyer, a politician, and ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education. Sadly, the beloved 87-year-old has recently shared a heartbreaking video in which he discloses having pancreatic cancer.
Frank Caprio Comes from a Foundation of hard work
Judge Frank Caprio was born on November 24, 1936, in Rhode Island. He came from “humble beginnings” and was the second of 3 boys to Filomina and Antonio Caprio. Antonio is a hardworking Italian immigrant who was both a fruit peddler and a milkman. Meanwhile, his mother was a stay-at-home mom and was Italian-American. Before becoming Judge Frank Caprio, he was inspired by his father’s work ethic and the love their family shared. He was hardworking even as a child and began shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and, like his father, making milk deliveries.
Frank Caprio Shares Sad News
Judge Frank Caprio shared an “emotional” video a few weeks ago on Instagram. The video captioned, “SAY A PRAYER… Your help will give me the strength to fight this health battle,” has gotten more than 300,000 likes, comments, and shares since it was posted. Sadly, the diagnosis came around the same time as his birthday, which likely changed the tune on what is generally, “one of the happiest days of the year” for himself.
“This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had. Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination.” Explained Frank Caprio in his video. “The report was not a good one. And so, I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”
Solutions and Support
Fortunately, he’s being treated by a “wonderful team of doctors” in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “I pray that God guides their thoughts and their hands in their treatment of me. I know this is a long road and I’m fully prepared to fight as hard as I can,” he said.
“One thing that people ask me is, ‘What can I do for you?’ First of all, I can’t thank all of you enough for your friendship and your kind messages. But I would ask each of you, in your own way, to please pray for me,” Caprio continued. “I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment that I’m receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.” He continued.
Unsurprisingly, the beloved Judge Frank Caprio has been incredibly appreciative of the support he’s received. It “means the world to me,” he stated. Sadly, he became incredibly emotional, burying his head into his hands. Nonetheless, Frank Caprio is determined to do everything he can to fight the. Hopefully able to enjoy more time with his large, and growing, family.
Read: Matthew Perry’s Relationship With Parents & Why He Wished His Dad Wouldn’t See a Cent Of His Money
Pancreatic Cancer Briefly Explained
The Pancreas is located behind the stomach. Although not incredibly small, its location makes it difficult to examine. Thereby difficult to diagnose. As a result, more than 65,000 people are diagnosed annually, with more than an estimated half of cases predicted to be fatal. There are 2 types of pancreatic cancer, and each type varies and depends on where the cancer began.
Symptoms are similar to those of other types of cancers and illnesses. They include fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. On the other hand, some symptoms that are more unique to this type of cancer (and some other illnesses) include severe back or abdominal pain, jaundice, itchy or burning skin, discolored bodily functions, and sudden unpredictable blood sugar readings.
Expected Causes
Like many other forms of cancers and diseases, the causes are one of a few, including genetics and how well a person cares for their body, such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco or maintaining a healthy weight. Some other common factors include gender, as men tend to be more prone than women. Age is another factor, as the most common age for a person to be diagnosed is between 65 and 75 years of age. Family history and race also play a role.
However, another thing to consider is the possible presence of bacteria known as H. pylori in your digestive tract as well as a history of Hepatitis B because both can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, with the latter increasing the likelihood by around 24%.
A Prestigious Career
After growing up in Rhode Island and working hard, Frank Caprio eventually went on to earn his law degree from Suffolk University, from whom he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law in 1991. Prior to his award, he began serving as a Providence Municipal Court Judge in 1985. Furthermore, he’s gained international fame, appearing as Judge Frank Caprio on “Caught in Providence,” first airing in 2000.
Frank Caprio isn’t just known for his passion and determination to bring justice to the US. He’s also known for his generosity and kindness. One example is the Scholarship Funds he founded, at his former colleges and high school, naming them after his father. Moreover, Frank Caprio is also a devoted husband to his wife Joy. The pair have been together for nearly 60 years, sharing 5 children, 7 grandchildren and even a couple of great-grandchildren.
Keep Reading: Martin Sheen Is Married to the ‘Scariest Woman’ He’d Ever Met for 60 Years Now & They Share 4 Kids
Sources
- “Frank Caprio.” FC
- “TV Judge Frank Caprio Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis in Emotional Video: ‘Please Pray for Me’.” PEOPLE. Vanessa Etienne, December 11, 2023
- “Everything You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cancer.” Healthline. Kristeen Moore. December 18, 2023.
