Sculptor, mesothelioma patient not allowed to close his business
Frank Bender was a renowned forensic sculptor for many years, known for helping solve cold case crimes by making incredibly accurate sculptures of suspects at large. Bender is dying of malignant pleural mesothelioma, which he developed as a result of asbestos exposure during his service with the U.S. Navy. His cancer has made it impossible for him to work; the Veterans Administration (VA) declared that he was 100% unemployable due to his illness, as the chemicals he used in his sculpting would be detrimental to his health.
But when Bender went to the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to officially close his business, he was turned down. The city won’t let him declare his business is closed unless he removes his paintings, supplies and sculptures from his home. Neighbors had noticed foot traffic coming in and out of his building, which Bender and his wife contend has only been hospice workers and family members coming to visit. Bender’s wife has a cancer diagnosis as well – nonsmoker’s lung cancer. By not allowing him to close his business, Philadelphia is leaving Bender liable for business tax burdens. The irony is that Bender rarely made much money from his sculptures, instead relying on his wife’s income to pay the bills.
For the full story, go to Philadelphia Inquirer.
