‘The Crank’ trek around Saipan to benefit CCA

Frank “The Crank” Camacho is kicking off his leadership of the Commonwealth’s Fit to Lead Initiative by trekking around Saipan today. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Frank “The Crank” Camacho will trek around the island through the Fit to Lead Program to benefit the Commonwealth Cancer Association of the CNMI. 

The Trek Around Saipan will be today, Sept. 30, 2022 at 3pm and will start at Pacific Islands Club Saipan. Camacho and his team will walk north toward Garapan and continue to Marpi, where they will take a turn to the backside of the island to end up back at PIC. The trek will take them about 18-20 hours straight before the trek is complete; they will have rounded the island’s coast for about 52 total miles.

Camacho, former UFC fighter and hometown hero, has taken the initiative to push the Fit to Lead Program, which will benefit the community’s healthy lifestyle changes. The Fit to Lead Program was initiated by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to shift a healthy focus from the COVID-19 pandemic to sustainable healthy living after the pandemic.

“Camacho is kicking off his leadership of the Commonwealth’s Fit to Lead Initiative in a big way. Through his leadership by example, advocacy, and commitment, together we will improve the life and health of our residents one person and one family at a time,” said Torres.

“Cancer has affected every family in the CNMI and I will continue to share in the fight against cancer. This small token will assist our patients and family members with some assistance. Because every little bit of help goes a long way. To our community, Let’s continue the fight against cancer and support them as much as we can,” added Torres.

“I have always been an advocate of health, wellness, and fitness. Sadly, the CNMI is in a health epidemic. The CNMI’s Top 3 causes of death in the past 10 years are heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. More and more, we are losing friends and family to these non-communicable diseases that are preventable through exercise and nutrition. The people of the CNMI are looking for alternative ways to take ownership of their health and wellness and be able to be fit to lead within their families and professional duties,” said Camacho.

“Through this Fit to Lead initiative, we want to raise money and awareness towards health and wellness in the CNMI. During this campaign, 100% of all sponsorship revenue and donations will go toward the Commonwealth Cancer Association,” he added.

The community is more than welcome to join the Fit to Lead Program for the whole trek, or for even portions of the route. 

You may view the map with estimated time stamps of when they will be passing these landmarks on Frank “the Crank’s” Instagram account, @frankthecrank. 

Please consult with your doctor before participating in any physical activity like this trek.

Participants are asked to please obey traffic rules and regulations, as well as practice safety throughout the trek. Bring your supplies, such as head lamps, good shoes, water, and food. 

Camacho and the Fit to Lead team will not be allowed to carry any supplies, but will only be accepting donations along the way.

“For drivers, we ask to please be cautious with the trekkers and pedestrians, but also to please honk your horn and give us a big wave,” said Camacho.

“The Commonwealth Cancer Association is so grateful for Frank “The Crank” Camacho’s efforts to not only raise money for our organization, but to also build awareness about cancer in the CNMI. His efforts along with the generosity of all the event’s incredible sponsors will go a long way to rebuild our outreach efforts that were almost completely truncated by the global pandemic. The Crank’s event will set the tone and generate excitement for all the preparation and planning being made for 2023 to mark CCA’s comeback. We cannot express how completely thankful we are to Frank,” said Bo Palacios, president of CCA.

Camacho and the Fit to Lead team would like to thank local businesses for their donation and contributions: Triple J, Saipan Stevedore, Triple J, The Athlete’s Foot Saipan, TurnKey Solutions, Docomo Pacific, Marpac, Pacifica Insurance, Bank Pacific, Joeten Motors, Trench Tech, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, and Ace Hardware.

The team would also want to thank Torres for his contribution of $50,000 to the Commonwealth Cancer Association.

To make donations, you can contact the CCA or Frank “The Crank” Camacho at (671)747-7585 or you can make donations online via PayPal or credit card at Frankthecrank.com. (PR)