Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
November 8 , 2000
KBNO returns to northern Colorado airwaves
By Rosanna Goni
When "Qu, Bueno!" returns to the air as Denver's most powerful Spanish-language radio station this Christmas, it will be another milestone on a journey of faith for owner Zee Ferrufino.
A Bolivian-born former air pilot, Ferrufino arrived in Denver 25 years ago, started a family and began building a business empire that eventually included KBNO radio, which he later sold.
Behind Ferrufino's serious appearance is a quiet sense of humor and a moving story of suffering, faith and redemption.
Ten years ago, when KBNO was just getting off the ground, Ferrufino was shocked by terrible news: his youngest son, Robby, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He was told that his 10-year-old child would only live for a few more months.
"Those were the worst moments of my life," Ferrufino recalls. "I stopped going to Mass, I even lost my faith, since I did not believe God could exist," he told the Register.
Thanks to special treatment, Robby's was prolonged for three years, and Ferrufino spent most of the time with him.
"The first shocking experience for me was the great faith and patience with which Robby endured the whole experience," Zee says.
In fact, despite the discomfort of both the disease and the treatment, little Robby never had a word of complaint.
"We always kept a great faith and peace, and even a great concern for other kids with cancer which would not have his same opportunities," he said.
The same day Robby passed away, Ferrufino received a call from an employee of his furniture store. All the workers at the shop, he was told, were trying - with no success - to chase out of the store a beautiful white dove that entered early in the morning.
"This is very strange Mr. Ferrufino, and we cannot close the door with the dove inside, because she could set off the alarm," he was told.
As soon as Zee entered the store, the dove, to the amazement of his employees, peacefully flew to his hands. "At that very moment, I experienced a great peace in my heart," he said. "I knew that Robby was doing well, and that there was a loving God."
Immediately after, Zee decided to put his recovered faith in action. Since then, he has started several programs to help the Hispanic community, but especially children with cancer.
The program offers fun outings for children with cancer and their families - the kind of joyful experiences Robby wanted for others.
"We bring kids and their families to Broncos' games, skiing or to family picnics, so they can enjoy the kind of experiences all kids wish to have," Zee explains.
Through KBNO, Ferrufino has also launched a program to help Hispanic dropouts complete high school.
"So far, more than 200 people have graduated due to this program, including a 68 year old grandmother," he explained.
With the new, more powerful KBNO signal, Ferrufino is also preparing to launch a comprehensive service to help Hispanics find jobs and job-training programs. "Hispanics are now facing several challenges, they have to study and learn English and develop a strong work ethic," Ferrufino said.
He believes his new radio station can help promote these goals, but more importantly: "I believe God exists and wants the best for us. And I think we have to respond by being decent, honest persons, thoroughly practicing our faith.
"Nothing goes wrong if we live this way. At least that is my experience," he concluded.
