People You Should Know

Frank Palpallatoc BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

As someone who was used to leading an active lifestyle, when Frank Palpallatoc first began experiencing the symptoms of MS, it began to take a heavy toll. It took months before he was actually diagnosed with the degenerative condition—time that seemed to knock the strong, dependable, and loving man off of his feet: he’d lost his job and was, at one point, even living in his car. Throughout it all, however, he showed faith in God and His plan; and now Frank is learning to live with MS without letting it rob him of life. SOCIAL NORTHSHORE: When were you diagnosed with MS? FRANK PALPALLATOC: April 12, 2017 SN: How did you first know that something was wrong? FP: I fell while I was rollerblading, and I couldn’t seem to bounce back from it. It almost felt like I had a stroke, because one whole side of my body felt numb with a tingly sensation. SN: Does MS typically present in men? FP: It’s unusual for men of my age and is actually more typical in young women. SN: How do you manage it? FP: Carefully, slowly, and day-by-day. I receive Ocrevus infusions twice a year to help prevent more lesions from forming. SN: How do you stay positive, even when you’re having hard days? FP: I usually just try not to think about it—with something like this, you just do what you’ve got to do. SN: Are you active in any community organizations? FP: Not really right now, because of COVID; but I used to volunteer and help coach a special needs cheer squad with my ex-wife. She started the special needs cheer squad, and my daughter volunteered to help. Since I have a background in dance, I thought I might have something to offer, as well. I danced at UCLA. SN: How has your family supported you through all of this? FP: They’re always there when I need them. SN: How do you like to spend your free time? FP: I like watching TV, visiting with my grandson, and cruising around town in the car—with someone else driving, of course, since I can no longer drive.

SN: What do you hope your kids/grandchildren always remember about you? FP: I used to be fun and energetic and always happy. I was also a runner and cyclist, and I used to run marathons and participate in triathlons.

As the father of two girls who love him immensely, Frank’s diagnosis was naturally a devastating blow to the family—and his daughter, Jennifer, used her social media presence as owner of Haute Off the Rack to raise awareness.

SN: Why do you think that people should be more aware of MS? JENNIFER PALPALLATOC: A few reasons. Most importantly, we need to help find a cure. Also, hearing about people living with MS is a great reminder to not to take being able to do simple daily tasks for granted, like walking to the bathroom and putting your dishes in the dishwasher. SN: Why did you share your father’s diagnosis on social media? JP: Sharing the story about my dad helped others feel less alone. I’ve had so many of my Instagram followers reach out to tell me that they’re in the same boat with an autoimmune disease or that they have a parent struggling with a disease or disability. It’s nice when you have someone you can relate to when you’re facing challenges and hardships. SN: What do you think made him such a good dad? JP: Most people know my dad as Coach Frank, and he is one of the kindest, smartest, caring, most creative and most talented dads I know. He taught me how to walk, talk, dance, run, act, golf, drive, and he even tried to teach me math—but I don’t think anyone can actually help me in that department. When I was little, he coached the jump rope club and track team at my school and taught the dance and drama club after class. He even volunteered to chaperone all of my field trips when I was elementary school and drove me to school every day until I got my own car. My parents divorced while I was in the 8th grade, but he still remained just as involved in my sister’s and my lives as he was before. He even coached a lot of our friends in track, dance, and volleyball; so everyone knew Coach Frank. He lives to coach kids in sports, and I’ve had countless young girls reach out to me about the impact my dad had on their lives while he coached them.

SN: How do you think God has shown Himself in all of this? JP: Before my dad was diagnosed with MS, a woman that my dad had dated for a short time nearly a year prior came out of nowhere to help when she found out that he was living in his car. I’d known that something was wrong, and my heart literally couldn’t take it; so I prayed and said, “I’m putting all of my trust and faith in you. Just please do something to help him.” I believe this is when God sent Candace. To be there for someone who has reached their lowest point in life takes a special kind of person. She opened her home to my dad when he had nothing, and she’s still here today and sticks through it even on the worst of days. I also believe that God sent multiple other people into our lives during this time, like Dr. Devan Szczepanski, who made herself available to us all hours during that crucial time in our lives.

GET THE FULL STORY ABOUT HIS DIAGNOSIS ON JENN’S BLOG: hauteofftherack.com/life-update-a-challenging-road-with-ms

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