"I remember Fred on the elevators at the IBC building and at various meetings. What I remember is his smile and his sense of humor. He was genuinely funny… His humor combined with his intelligence, creativity and vision made him a truly human leader. I am sorry for his passing, we are all poorer for his loss and yet richer for having known him."
--Joe Kennedy

Living with Courage: One Family's Story

When twins Jason and Kyle were born, Colleen and her husband Mike learned that Jason had Prune Belly Syndrome, a very rare disease with a prognosis that is not often promising. Colleen said “The doctors told us Jason wasn’t viable, but he’s here…they told us he wouldn’t live past two minutes and he is three years old… they told us he wouldn’t walk and he is running!”

In his three short years, Jason has had 12 surgeries and numerous hospitalizations. But, despite all his challenges, he is just like any other three year old boy: energetic and full of life.

Colleen and Mike are a true illustration of grace under pressure saying that “a life-altering condition could make daily life impossible. We chose to go the ‘other route’ and embrace what God blessed us with: not only one son, but two”.

They have all the same hopes and dreams as any parents. They understand that their son’s health issues are a part of who he is, but they don’t want it to define him. They want both of their sons to have the same opportunities in life…and they are determined to make sure they will.

Fred’s Footsteps is providing funding so that they can do some things they would otherwise have not been able to do. This will help improve the quality of their lives so they can continue to have the courage to move forward.

* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the family.