Renowned Rhode Island traffic judge, Frank Caprio, known as ‘The Nicest Judge in the World,’ disclosed that he is grappling with pancreatic cancer.
The 87-year-old, star of the reality TV show ‘Caught in Providence,’ took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the emotional news, stating that his diagnosis coincided with his birthday last month, a day usually filled with joy for him.
“This birthday is a little different than any other I have ever had,” Caprio expressed. “Quite recently, I was not feeling well and received a medical examination, and the report was not a good one. And so I have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, which is an insidious form of cancer.”
Caprio acknowledged the support of his “wonderful team of doctors” overseeing his treatment in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.
“I pray that God guides their thoughts and their hands in their treatment of me. I know this is a long road, and I’m fully prepared to fight as hard as I can,” he affirmed.
The judge, humbled by the outpouring of friendship and kind messages, made a heartfelt plea to well-wishers. “I would ask each of you, in your own way, to please pray for me. I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe, in addition to the medical treatment that I’m receiving, is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.”
Pancreatic cancer, constituting approximately 3% of all cancers in the United States, primarily affects men. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 64,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually, with over 50,500 expected to succumb to it in 2023. Symptoms often manifest in advanced stages, including intense back pain, loss of appetite, depression, fatigue, new-onset diabetes, and jaundice.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Caprio acknowledged that the encouragement and well-wishes “mean the world” to him as he confronts this health challenge. In a poignant moment during the video, he buried his face in his hands and implored, “SAY A PRAYER… Your help will give me the strength to fight this health battle.”
Judge Frank Caprio, having served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge since 1985, is renowned for his caring personality in the courtroom on the show ‘Caught in Providence,’ nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 2021.