Who is Frances from Death Be Not Proud: A Memoir and what is their importance?

Frances was Johnny's mother. she was divorced from Johnny's father, John, but the two maintained an amicable relationship. They worked together to provide the best care for Johnny. She constantly researched to find the top physicians in the world and to seek out any option available for treatment in hopes that they might cure Johnny's cancer. When Johnny was feeling depressed, she helped him feel better. When he lost some physical mobility, she taught him how to compensate for his weaknesses using the stronger parts of his body.