On June 4, Fred’s Footsteps was invited to join WHYY for a powerful evening focused on the caregiving crisis in America- an issue near and dear to our mission. The event brought together caregivers, nonprofits, and community leaders for a resource fair, a screening of the upcoming PBS documentary Caregiving, and a powerful panel discussion featuring our Executive Director, Christine DiBona Lobley.
Supporting Families at the Resource Fair
Fred’s Footsteps joined local organizations at the resource fair to share our mission and connect with caregivers navigating the demands of caring for medically complex individuals. We provided information on how our financial support helps families focus on their child’s health without the added burden of financial stress.
Screening of Caregiving: A New PBS Documentary
Attendees viewed a preview of Caregiving, executive produced by Bradley Cooper and premiering June 24 on PBS. The powerful film offers a moving look into the emotional, financial, and physical realities caregivers endure—stories that mirror those of the families we serve every day.
Fred’s Footsteps Featured on the Panel
The evening culminated with a riveting fireside chat and panel discussion, moderated by Marty Moss-Coane of WHYY’s The Connection, who opened with a powerful truth:
“I think we do overuse the word crisis, but I think when we are talking about caregiving it really fits, and it really does apply.”
In the fireside chat, Barak Goodman, the producer of Caregiving, offered behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film and the importance of sharing these stories. Moss-Coane then welcomed Nia Tate Ball, Founder of the Legacy Empowerment Foundation, who shared her perspective on caring for a disabled parent.
The evening wrapped with a group panel discussion, where our Executive Director, Christine DiBona Lobley, represented Fred’s Footsteps. Christine shared firsthand the struggles our families face and how we provide support.
“At Fred’s Footsteps, our focus is on families caring for medically complex children. Our goal is that a child’s health can be a parent’s only worry. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough resources as there need to be; there aren’t as many systems in place as there need to be. So if we can step in and make a time easier for a family, so they can focus on caregiving for their child, our goal is to take that financial worry away.”
Christine also emphasized the added challenges ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families face, who make up 82% of the families we support.
“These are families that are making more than the federal poverty level but not enough to (make ends meet). So if one or both parents have to leave work, or add extra caregiving expenses, something has to give. People aren’t making bad choices, they are making the only choices they have.”
Continuing the Conversation
Thank you to WHYY for including us in this powerful event and for bringing attention to the realities of caregiving. As we look ahead to the full release of Caregiving on June 24, we remain committed to supporting families who carry these heavy responsibilities every day.
To learn more, visit https://whyy.org/articles/whyy-tv-caregiving-documentary-bradley-cooper/.
