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When Frank Heifrin first stepped into Culpepper Realty as a graduate student at Texas A&M University, his persistence, grit and passion for service earned him a place at the Texas-based real estate development firm. Today, Frank serves as director of retail leasing and development, using his role to help build community across Texas.
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But, to the Culpepper family, who have owned and operated the company since 1937, Frank is more than an employee—he’s family. That bond inspired them to support a program that pairs patients and families with nurse navigators during their cancer journey.
A life-changing diagnosis
In fall 2024, Frank began experiencing difficulty swallowing during a team lunch. Weeks later, he was diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancer.
“I’m a healthy guy—I’d never even had an IV,” Frank recalls. “Then suddenly, I’m facing cancer. You don’t know if you’ve got six weeks, six months or 60 years.”
The diagnosis was a shock for someone known for his energy, leadership and tireless work ethic. His wife, Misty, a cardiology physician assistant, quickly took on the role of caregiver, managing the complexities of his treatment.
“You don’t know where to start,” Misty says. “You’re asking, ‘How bad is it? What stage? What’s the plan?’ Then come the insurance questions, treatment schedules—all while just trying to breathe.” Despite her medical background, Misty felt overwhelmed.
A gift of guidance
Mary Culpepper and her husband, Jack, president of Culpepper Realty, are longtime supporters of Baylor Scott & White and advocates for quality care in the Brazos Valley. Mary also serves on the board of the Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation.
“Even outside of our work, we are good friends with Frank and Misty,” Mary said. “We saw that patients and caregivers like them needed someone to help connect the dots—a nurse navigator to walk with them through the journey.”
Currently, Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center – College Station has one nurse navigator supporting head, neck and breast cancer patients. With tremendous growth in the Brazos Valley region, the need for advanced cancer care—and nurse navigation services—has also increased. In fact, the number of patient appointments at the cancer center has increased by 86% since 2021.
In honor of Frank’s fight against cancer, the Culpepper family—Jack, Mary and their children John and Jacqueline—donated to support the nurse navigator program at Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center – College Station. The Culpeppers’ gift will help establish an endowment fund for an additional nurse navigator position to support more patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
Because nurse navigation services are offered at no cost to patients, the program depends heavily on the generosity of donors like the Culpepper family.
“A nurse navigator can’t cure cancer,” Mary says, “but they can bring peace and strength in the hardest moments. Every patient deserves someone walking alongside them.”
Frank agrees: “So many people don’t even know what questions to ask. A nurse navigator can help patients figure out next steps, answer simple questions—like whether I could take over-the-counter cough medicine—and take pressure off providers so they can focus on complex cancer care.”
“Being a caregiver is heavy,” Misty adds. “The emotional toll is real. Having someone in that navigator role would be life-changing for patients and their families.”
Thanks to the Culpeppers’ gift, that vision is becoming reality for patients in the Brazos Valley. Their donation has planted the seed, and they hope the community will join them in supporting the endowment fund.
What is a nurse navigator?
Cancer patients often describe their experience as a “journey” with roadblocks and uncharted territory they must navigate to survive. Nurse navigators help guide patients and their caregivers through what can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. They handle logistical and administrative details large and small, allowing patients and families to focus on healing.
Nurse navigators partner with patients from their diagnosis, through their treatment and into survivorship, serving as an advocate, educator and guide, all at no cost to the patient.
Some highlights include:
- Patient advocacy and support
- Coordination of appointments
- Removing barriers to care, such as transportation or financial hardship
- Education on what to expect and empowerment to make informed medical decisions
- Assistance with finding resources
- Management of cancer-related side effects
The journey forward
Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Frank continues to work, mentor youth and offer his trademark thoughtful advice. His favorite Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, drives him on: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“Frank has the Holy Spirit within him, and you can feel it,” Jack Culpepper says. “He believes with his innermost being, and he pours rivers of love into everyone around him. For us, it came down to our calling to ‘do unto others.’ Help your neighbor. Help your employee. Help your family—and Frank is family.”
In honoring Frank, the Culpeppers are doing just that—turning hardship into hope and building something truly meaningful.
