Much-loved TV judge Frank Caprio “rang the bell” after receiving a standing ovation as he underwent his final radiation treatment just seven months after revealing he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio, 87, known for his compassionate courtroom videos, shared the heartwarming news on Facebook on Friday, hoping for better days to come.
“I’m on my way… after my last radiation treatment. Baptist Health Cancer Care Baptist Health“Ring the bell and on to happier days!” Caprio wrote in a celebratory video.
“On my last day of radiation treatment at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, I had no idea what they had in store for me.” Caprio said.
The Honorable Chief Justice initially received treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts, and then, at the recommendation of a friend, sought treatment in Florida.
Caprio and his family were greeted in the lobby by a large group of hospital staff who were waiting to celebrate with him.
“Happy Days Are Here Again,” the group sang of the 1930 hit by Ben Selvin and the Crooners.
Caprio’s physician, Dr. Michael Truong, medical director of the center’s Photon and Light Therapy, also joined in the celebration.
“I would like to congratulate you on completing your treatment at Miami Cancer Institute,” Truong told Caprio, “and I look forward to seeing you for many follow-up visits. I am happy that your hope has been revived and happy days have returned.”
As the retired judge walked toward the victory bell, Truong handed Caprio the judge’s gavel, wrapped in a gold ribbon.
“My treatment is over. This course is over, I’m going home,” Caprio said as he rang the bell to a standing ovation.
In November 2023, Caprio said he had been feeling unwell around his birthday and received the sad news after undergoing a medical check-up.
“The report was not good,” Caprio said. I shared the video. “I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is a slow-growing type of cancer.”
“I am being cared for by an incredible team of physicians both here in Rhode Island and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts,” the Honorable Chief Justice said. “I pray that God will guide their thoughts and treatment.”
Caprio served as chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Providence, Rhode Island, for nearly 40 years before retiring last year.
He rose to fame with the courtroom show “Caught in Providence,” in which some of his most famous scenes were based on his sympathy for the unfortunate people who appeared in his courtroom.
