Where it all began...

I remember it all very well looking back it was the spring of ’97. The 2 high schools of Tracy California joined forces to produce West Side Story. My 1^st ever encounter with Derek Lee Lubag was watching him audition for a role by singing “A Whole New World”. He did all right, a little pitchy and sung through the nose, good enough for a lead as Bernardo. At the time I had no idea how much that show would affect my life nor did I know that this kid from another school would quickly become a lifelong friend. West Side Story was a success and the best part was the bonds made with others involved, who Derek and I are still friends with to this day. I guess theater magic doesn’t just affect the audience.

There have been adventures. Many crazy, silly, stupid, and utterly fantastic adventures. Frankie and Derek adventures include but are not limited to: commuting to Delta College together, skipping school to watch All My Children, waiting for Father Frank to pick us up at a police station in San Francisco when Derek’s 2 day old car was stolen, working together at Structure, the un-countable last minute trips to Disneyland where we would pretend to be up and coming recording artists while in line for Pirates of the Caribbean, oh and lets not forget Derek’s freak-out in Mexico, movies, musicals, parties, and all the abandoned caves, houses, theaters, schools and other forbidden places we would break into without even thinking twice about it. Through all this our friendship turned into a brotherhood where both of our parents considered us a member of their family. An honor we both cherish to this day.

Much has happened since those West Side Story days. Derek and I along with friends like Amy and Ryan have so many memories. We have created these bonds, so deep and intertwined; bonds that only develop from growing up together, sharing our dreams together, laughing together and overcoming adversity together. Derek did not have to look any further then is friend when he needed a kidney. My reason for helping is simple: I want the memories and the silly adventures to continue. I want my friend to be healthy again. What better way to show the impact Derek has had in my life then doing something for him that will symbolize our very real connection?

-Frankie