Community rallies around Hidden Valley Animal Adventure tour guide in need of a new heart

VARYSBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Western New Yorker known in his community for having a generous heart, is now in need of a new one.

"My dad has lived in the community for 47 years," said Frank Nappo's daughter Mary-Pat Steiner. "Always lends a helping hand, everybody knows him."

After Frank Nappo retired from being a correction officer, he ended up at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg, N.Y. For more than a decade, Frank has been behind the wheel of the safari bus, giving tours and bringing joy to guests and the animals.

"It's like a home away from home," said Steiner. "He loves the tour guide, he drives the trolley. He's known the Boxer family for many years. It's all community and support."

"He's a good soul, someone you would want around," said Hidden Valley General Manager Barbara Dominesey. "He brings the best out of you, right? And the best out of Hidden Valley."

After giving back so much to the community, Frank needs help in return. He was diagnosed with a heart condition that makes his heart functions at only 35 percent.

"What we thought was him getting older and slowing down was something that was actually attacking his organs," said Steiner.

Frank was admitted to the ICU at a hospital in New York City and was just approved for a heart transplant. This is the news his family has been waiting to hear, but it also carries a lot of medical expenses as a transplant could take days, weeks or months.

"Anyone who really knows my dad knows Frank Nappo doesn't ask for help," Steiner said. "You have to just know that he needs it. And it's been a very humbling experience for all of us."

Frank's daughters set up a GoFundme to raise money, but when the folks at Hidden Valley heard what was happening, they stepped in to help.

"He's special to a lot of people and the community recognizes that," said Dominesey. "He's been so giving that we want to give back."

On Saturday, a portion of the proceeds for guided or self-guided tours go to Frank and his medical needs.

"It's awesome to see how many people really loved him and all the people who appreciate the things he's done in the community," said Frank's son-in-law Brett Steiner. "I can't thank Hidden Valley enough, it's incredible."

As Frank waits for his new heart, all the love and support keeps his current one pumping.

"If we can be a little part of helping him when he needs, that's good," said Dominesey. "That's a good day for us and hopefully for him as well."