Rambam Health Care Campus is proud and honored to bestow the 2019 Rambam Award upon Mrs. Patricia and Mr. Albert Frank in recognition of their lifetime commitment to the Jewish people; their unwavering support of Israel exemplified by their founding of the IMPACT! Program, providing scholarships for IDF soldiers; and with deepest appreciation for their support of the Department of Hematology and establishing the Frank Family Nephrology Fellowship at Rambam Health Care Campus.
Born in 1927 in Chicago, Albert was the fourth child of one of the first Jewish Chicago policeman and an Irish mother who was instrumental in his Jewish education. A decade before establishment of the State of Israel, a member of Young Judaea, Albert went door to door collecting five- and ten-cent coins for the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet LeYisrael). In 1984 he made his first “large” donation through the Kehilat Jeshurun Synogoguetwenty-five dollars for the “Haganah Campaign.”
With the onset of the Second World War, Albert proudly enlisted at the age of 17. Turning 19, he was commissioned as an officer and sent to post-war Japan. Upon discharge, the then new G.I. Bill made engineering studies at the University of Illinois at hampaign-Urbana possible. There, Albert returned to his pro-Israel activities, became President of the Illinois chapter of the Intercollegiate Zionist Federation of America, and was active in Hillel activities. He also met a stunning red-headed physiotherapy student, Patricia, who had voluntarily cared for polio victims during the 1949 outbreak. Her inner and outer qualities won his heart - forever.
Together they raised eight children and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Theirs was, and in spirit continues to be, a shared life of accomplishment. In 1970, Albert and Patricia visited Israel with their children and returned to the U.S., leaving two behind for their continued studies.
The couple became increasingly involved in supporting Israel. Both became leaders of Israel Bond campaigns,
made numerous trips to Israel, and were active in the Jewish National Fund. Albert served as Director and Vice President of the Jewish Federation in Chicago and was active on their board for 12 years. Patricia volunteered for several years at Evanston Hospital, a major healthcare facility in the area, and became President of the Chicago Organization for the Women’s Auxiliary for Shaare Zedek Hospital of Jerusalem. After years of volunteer service,
she became President of the Sisterhood for the North Shore Congregation Israel, the largest reform temple in the Midwest. In that role, she organized and managed the largest sales event ever for Ruth Dayan’s “Maskit,” showcasing Israeli Jewelry, rugs, and artwork.
Philanthropy targeted towards the Jewish community, Israel, health, education, and quality of life were a joint mission for the Franks. As cofounders of IMPACT! In 2002, a scholarship program for Israel’s combat soldiers administered by the Friends of the IDF, the Franks have enabled a new generation to pursue academic and career success and achievement. Establishment of the Frank Family Nephrology Fellowship at Rambam, and their support of the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Institute is further enabling excellence in medical care.
In acknowledgement of all the aforesaid, the Honorary Awards Committee has found Mrs. atricia and Mr. Albert Frank deserving of the 2019 Rambam Award.