More than money

Young Chang

Nanci Kapp used to breeze through the doors of Fidelity Federal Bank

in Newport Beach and make an impression while doing something as mundane

as depositing a check.

When she looked fancy, her tellers would ask where she was coming

from. The answer usually involved some sort of fund-raiser and one of her

many causes.

For about eight years, the bank staff got to learn that Kapp was a

sprightly person -- someone who was active with arts organizations,

someone who dated, someone who roller-bladed, golfed, paddled her kayak

and danced all in the same weekend.

But since Kapp suffered a back injury three years ago and developed a

disabling disease called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, the bank sees less

of the Costa Mesa resident.

Knowing she needs more than just well wishes, the staff has paired

with Kapp’s close friend Lynne Spencer to throw her a fund-raiser in

their own lobby on April 7.

“How many banks go to bat for one of their customers?” said Kapp, 54.

“It really is a bank with a heart.”

Funds raised at next week’s Taste of Newport-esque event will help

Kapp pay for medical treatments.

It took a while for doctors to diagnose her -- some claimed it was all

in her head, that she needed to see a psychologist. The incurable disease

affects 7 million Americans and can cause permanent deformities and

chronic pain if untreated.

Today, Kapp can’t sit, stand, walk or even sleep for more than 10

minutes sometimes because the pain in her extremities and back resembles

the sensation of being burned alive or stabbed, she said.

After three back surgeries and 13 major procedures, the

self-proclaimed former “overachiever” who once worked in public relations

and interior design now relies on social security disability.

“It got down to the point where it was between paying rent and getting

pain medication,” Spencer said.

She and other friends run errands for Kapp.

The bank staff has also worked with Kapp over the phone, at times

performing the transactions for her.

“We just watched this dynamo go to just a shell,” said Vice President

Barbara Montano. “You almost don’t know how to react. You don’t want to

say ‘I’m sorry.’ They don’t want to hear that.”

Instead, the bank offered help.

When Spencer called them about planning a fund-raiser, Fidelity gave

their efforts and space.

Next week, nearby restaurants including Plum’s, Mimi’s Cafe and the

Golden Dragon will cater the event, which includes a drawing and silent

auction.

“With some customers, you have one level of relationship,” Montano

said.

But with Kapp, friendly chatter grew to Montano wanting to “spend time

with her outside of the business.”

Kapp is supported some by her son in Ohio who pays her insurance but

doesn’t have family nearby save for a sister in Brea.

Her friends and her bank have shouldered her struggle.

“Everybody’s just pitched in and been so innately kind,” Kapp said.

She has never asked “why me?” but figures she is supposed to help

increase awareness and research for the disease.

“I was undiagnosed for a year and half,” she said. “Orthopedics,

neurologists, they all missed it. I’m very hopeful that there might be a

cure. That’s why I want to bring it to the forefront.”

FYI

* What: Fund-raiser for Nanci Kapp

* When: 1 to 5 p.m. April 7

* Where: Fidelity Federal Bank, 1515 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach

* Cost: Free to attend but $1-$3 for taste tickets

* Call: (949) 448-8982