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Freddy is often seen walking miles around Portsmouth with his white blind cane, sunglasses, and a backpack, always with a sense of purpose—to help others. In 2018, at 45, Freddy lost his eyesight due to a rare genetic disease while recovering from a lifetime of addiction. He believes losing his sight saved his life. In 2021, he founded I Got Bridged, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need on the Seacoast. The term “getting bridged” symbolizes overcoming life’s obstacles. Petrone is also one of the founders of Recovery Church Portsmouth, a church created by the recovery community for the recovery community.

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