At Fred’s Footsteps, we meet families where they are—often in moments of uncertainty, transition, or crisis. Our support isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s thoughtful, personalized, and focused on the real, day-to-day needs of families caring for a seriously ill, injured, or disabled child. One of many stories that highlights this is Tate’s.

A Challenging Start

Tate and his twin brother, Oliver, were born prematurely at 33 weeks gestation. After six weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Oliver was healthy enough to go home. Tate, however, faced more serious challenges and was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for specialized care.

Following extensive genetic testing, Tate’s parents received a life-changing diagnosis: Tate had PURA syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and leads to developmental delays, seizures, and movement difficulties.

To manage his condition, Tate required a tracheostomy and ventilator to breathe, a feeding tube for nutrition, and continuous monitoring of his heart rate and oxygen levels. His care was complex—and constant.

Preparing for Home

After a long hospital stay, Tate was almost ready for discharge. His family worked tirelessly to prepare their home for his medical needs. One of their major concerns was frequent power outages in their neighborhood.

For most families, a power outage is an inconvenience. For Tate’s family, it could be life-threatening.  Without electricity, the medical equipment that keeps Tate stable could shut down in an instant.

Powering Safety and Peace of Mind

Determined to keep Tate safe, his family turned to their social worker for guidance. The recommendation: Fred’s Footsteps. Through our Pat’s Projects program, we were honored to help fund a whole-house generator—ensuring that Tate’s vital medical equipment stays running even when the power goes out.

And the need was real: since his discharge home, the family has experienced ten power outages—including one that lasted for almost three days. During these outages, the generator provided Tate and his family with immeasurable safety and peace of mind.

Life at Home

Today, Tate is home with his twin brother, happy and thriving. We are proud to be part of this incredible family’s story.