My Tio Frank, aka Dr. Frank Meza, is a hero of mine. He taught me about living curiously, running, always trying new things, and pushing my own limits. He showed me that I don’t need permission to be curious and I can have fun anywhere. He demonstrated that anything is possible with determination and the willingness to try. He taught me to never underestimate how much power and positive impact one person can have on their community.
In the setting of ongoing cyberbullying and specific individuals who actively made his and his family’s life difficult for months, on July 4, 2019, he took his own life. For those who didn’t know him personally, this cyberbullying has successfully tarnished his legacy. His name, his character, his achievements, and his celebrations are now overshadowed by the deliberate efforts of these cyberbullies.
Cyberbullying currently has no consequences of legal accountability nor responsibility for those leading it’s purposeful and directed hate. This page serves as a space to recognize and remember Tio Frank in his true character and as the uncle that I knew and loved. It is my hope that amongst all the negativity surrounding him on the internet now, this small tribute can shine a positive light on the memory of this great man. The clip below is a snippet of his life and highlights his involvement in medicine as well as his effort to make the world a little better through the belief that medical access and education are a right for all people.