Tuesday, April 20, 1999
Stamp replica remembers area family's organ donation
BY ALLEN HOWARD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP — The tribute was to Mike and Christine Frank for their compassion in donating their sons' organs.
But to them, the presentation of a replica Organ and Tissue Donation Stamp at the post office here held a much deeper meaning.
“This means to us that our purpose in life is being fulfilled,” Mrs. Frank said.
The Franks received the stamp replica in a brief ceremony Monday at the Anderson Township post office branch.
After losing James and Christopher in a car accident last December, the Franks donated their sons' organs to the Tissue Bank in Avondale.
Charles L. Caton, Cincinnati District manager for the U.S. Postal Service, presented the stamp.
“We make this presentation to honor them in memory of their sons,” Mr. Caton said. “Despite the tragedy of their loss, Mr. and Mrs. Frank were compassionate enough to donate the organs of both sons so that others might have a better chance at life.”
He said the Postal Service printed 50 million of the Organ and Tissue Donation Stamps last year.
Hearing that, Mrs. Frank joked: “And they told me they didn't have any.” She said she had tried to buy them at the Anderson post office branch last year, but they were sold out.
“I wanted to put them on everything I mail because it is a way to show that our sons still live,” she said.
She said she has four of the stamps now and plans to keep them.
Mr. Frank said the stamp's purple hues remind him of the colors for Glen Este High School, where their sons attended.
“It has been tough on us since losing them, but we have gained so much meaning in life. They were our purpose in life and will always be,” he said.
The Franks represented donor families from Greater Cincinnati at the National Donor Recognition in Washington D.C., over the weekend.
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