The Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation knows the journeys our caregivers take vary from month to years to a lifetime, and the roads to recovery for a loved one can be long, uncertain, and filled with financial obstacles. That’s why our Keeping Caregivers Close grant was created—to provide financial support for caregivers like Lauren Frank, whose dedication to her husband Brian has not wavered despite the overwhelming challenges they faced following a horrific accident almost four years ago.
In February 2021, Lauren’s husband, Brian Frank, an Illinois State Trooper, was critically injured in the line of duty during a snowstorm. He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and, to this day, remains minimally conscious. Despite doctors advising Lauren to consider hospice care, she refused to give up on her husband. Over the years, Brian has made slow but steady progress, and Lauren’s commitment to finding the best care for him has led them to a specialized clinic in Austin, Texas.
In 2024, the clinic in Austin offered a glimmer of hope: they suggested a longer-term stay for Brian, from January to March 2025, to continue stem cell treatments and other therapies that have shown positive results. However, this life-changing care comes with an enormous price tag—an estimated $200,000 out of pocket. Workers’ compensation has denied coverage, arguing that recovery efforts are no longer considered medically necessary, leaving Lauren with full responsibility for covering medical transport, accommodations, therapies, and travel costs.
The safest way to transport Brian to Austin is by air ambulance, as his wheelchair cannot fit on a commercial plane, and he cannot assist in boarding a private plane. In addition to this, Lauren will need to rent an ADA-friendly home for three months ($16,000), pay for the treatments ($85,000), and cover the medical transport expenses ($63,000). The travel, lodging, meals, and home health staff costs will push the total amount well beyond $200,000.
With such a daunting financial burden, Lauren’s strength and determination are truly inspiring. We are honored to support Lauren and Brian through our Keeping Caregivers Close grant. This grant will provide some relief so that Lauren can focus on her husband’s care without the crushing weight of financial worry. We hope to make their journey easier, enabling Lauren to be by Brian’s side as they continue their fight for recovery together.
To follow Lauren’s journey and support her selfless love for Brian, visit her blog www.4thpath.blogspot.com or follow updates on Instagram @laurens_pretty_frank.
The Impact of Your Support
We invite you to join us in supporting caregivers like Lauren and families like the Franks. Consider donating to the Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation. Your contributions to the Keeping Caregivers Close Grant Program do make a difference for so many. Together, we can help lighten the load and provide the care and support that Lauren needs to allow her to focus on what truly matters: her husband, Brian. Visit cocktailsandcaregivers.org/donate to support incredible journeys such as this one.
