Reston Man Seeks Aid Amid Health Challenges: GoFundMe

RESTON, VA — Jennifer Gamboa and Robert More recently launched a GoFundMe campaign, seeking community support to help a friend with advanced post-polio syndrome maintain his current assisted living arrangements.

Ken Fredgren, 86, requires full-time assisted living in a licensed, accessible facility. Gamboa reported that his financial resources are nearly exhausted. She added that without community support, he risks losing the safe and dignified housing he currently depends on while longer-term solutions are pursued.

Gamboa described Fredgren as someone who has spent years serving the community to support accessibility, peace, and justice initiatives. She said her appeal is about responding to his present need in the same spirit in which he served his communities.

Fredgren spent 17 years leading the Reston Accessibility Committee. During that time, he worked with businesses, the Reston Association, and the committee's Accessibility Assessment Team across Reston. His efforts aimed to remove barriers and promote dignity and independence for all, according Gamboa.

In addition, Fredgren dedicated 11 years to supporting the Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County. He formerly served as the Student Peace Awards representative to Herndon High School and continues to serve as the sponsor outreach representative, according to Gamboa. Additionally, Fredgren spent 12 years co-coordinating the monthly Prayer Vigil for Peace, Life, and Justice at St. John Neumann parish in Reston.

As of 10 a.m. on Monday, the GoFundMe campaign has raise $25,209. Although the campaign is close to reaching its initial goal of raising $26,000, Gamboa and More are hoping to raise a total $75,000 to provide a financial runway to find medically-suitable, long-term housing for Fredgren.

Community members who wish to donate to the Help Ken Fredgren Stay In Accessible Housing campaign can do so via GoFundMe.