We are incredibly honored to be featured in 6abc’s Hometown Hero series, highlighting the work of Fred’s Footsteps and the remarkable families who inspire our mission.
In a beautifully told story by 6abc reporter, Nick Iadonisi, viewers meet 8-year-old Brayven and his mother, Misty, of New Castle County, Delaware.
Brayven has autism and a seizure disorder and is prone to elopement, meaning he may unexpectedly wander away from a safe environment. When a retention pond was installed directly behind the family’s backyard in 2024, it created a frightening new reality. Drawn to the water, Brayven faced a potentially life-threatening danger just steps from home.
Misty and her family did everything they could to keep him safe, installing door alarms, additional locks, and other safeguards. But the constant vigilance took a toll. For Brayven, spending time outdoors wasn’t simply a chance to play. It was an essential part of meeting his sensory needs and helping him feel calm and regulated. His family needed a way to give him that freedom without compromising his safety.
That’s where Fred’s Footsteps came in.
More Than a Fence
Through Pat’s Projects, one of Fred’s Footsteps’ three core programs, we helped the family install a backyard fence.
On the surface, it might seem like an ordinary home improvement. For Brayven and his family, it was so much more.
The fence gives Brayven the freedom to enjoy his own backyard safely. For Misty and Brayven’s grandparents, it provides something equally meaningful: peace of mind, a little breathing room, and one less worry in a life already filled with extraordinary responsibilities.
Before connecting with Fred’s Footsteps, the family had struggled to find an organization willing to fund this particular need.
That’s what makes our approach different. We understand that no two families, children, or circumstances are alike. We listen, we learn, and we work to provide the right support at the right time.
Because sometimes, accessibility means a wheelchair ramp. Sometimes, it means an adapted bathroom. And sometimes, it means a fence that gives a child the freedom to play safely in his own backyard.
Through Pat’s Projects, Fred’s Footsteps provides up to $20,000 per family for home modifications and specialized equipment that improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life for children with complex medical needs and their caregivers.
A Legacy of Helping Families Find Their Footing
The 6abc feature also introduces viewers to our Executive Director and co-founder, Christine DiBona Lobley, who shares the story behind Fred’s Footsteps.
Founded in 2005 in memory of her father, G. Fred DiBona, Jr., our organization has grown from a family-led effort into a vital source of financial relief for Greater Philadelphia families caring for seriously ill, injured, or disabled children.
More than two decades later, Fred’s legacy lives on through the more than 2,000 families who have received over $11 million in assistance.
And while every family’s circumstances are different, our purpose remains the same: to ease the financial burdens of a child’s medical crisis so caregivers can focus on what matters most.
A Story Worth Sharing
Our heartfelt thanks go to Nick Iadonisi and the 6abc team for shining such a thoughtful, compassionate light on our work. Nick approached this story with remarkable sensitivity, taking the time to see beyond the surface and recognize the people, love, and resilience at the heart of this family.
Most importantly, we are deeply grateful to Misty and Brayven for welcoming us into their lives and sharing such a personal part of their journey. Their willingness to tell their story helps others understand the realities families face and the profound difference that practical, compassionate support can make.
We couldn’t be prouder to have them represent the Fred’s Footsteps community.
We invite you to watch this moving Hometown Hero feature and see for yourself what a little peace of mind can mean to a family.
