Someone You Should Know...
Frank Martinez

On a small laminated card in his pocket, Frank Martinez carries three quotes: Emily Dickinson on hope; Thomas Edison on success; and Maya Angelou who says that “people will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they never will forget how you make them feel.” Frank’s life embodies that.

Transplanted in 1995 for acute myelogenous leukemia, Frank now lives life to the fullest. First it should be said that Frank has a light side. His carefree moments are spent with his wife and sonindulging in his passion for old cars. The 1970 Cutlass, 1967 Corvette and 1969 Z28 are his hall-of-famers. The Martinez family enjoys car museums, car shows, car movies – just about anything related to cars capture their interest.

At work, Frank’s goal is to improve the quality of life for his customers. He not only finds mortgages for people of all income levels, but offers mortgage planning and educational seminars on financial topics. “A customer’s smile makes me feel good,” says Frank.

Frank is the first leukemia survivor to be president in the 60 year history of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), based in the Chicago area. He takes his role as survivor and president seriously.

“Being a survivor shows people that I am living proof that all their hard work can pay off,” explains Frank.He also founded and is head of A La Vida, the Hispanic chapter of the LRF. A La Vida means “To Life”. Through A La Vida, Frank hosts a Town Hall meeting where patients and families gather to have questions answered by doctors. “Everyone benefits from these meetings,” says Frank with a smile. “My goal is to get people involved. Everyone has something to add – we can all help each other.”

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