"I, the members of the Philly Pops and the staff are deeply saddened by the passing of our Chairman and leader, Fred DiBona, who's brilliance and dynamic leadership helped us get to where we are today."
--Peter Nero

How You Can Help

United Way Campaign

Fred’s Footsteps is now a member of the United Way Donor Choice Program!

Our Donor Code is: #16018

2007 Annual Apppeal Letter

Dear Friends,

This past year has been one of incredible growth for Fred’s Footsteps. We now have seven times the number of families receiving funding than we had at this time last year. We have worked with many amazing and inspiring families who are caring for critically or chronically-ill children.

I would like to share one family’s story with you. Haley was born with a mitochondrial disease and rare seizure disorder. She is six years old and cannot walk, talk, sit or stand on her own. She is wheelchair bound and receives all nutrition through a tube. As she grows, her parents struggle with her mobility. They have come to realize that they can’t do it on their own. Fred’s Footsteps is helping! We provided funding to aid in the purchase of a handicap-accessible van. Now, Haley is no longer homebound. It’s easier for her to get to doctors’ appointments, and she even joins her mom for trips to the grocery store. I recently had the opportunity to meet Haley and her mom. Her mom expressed her gratitude:

“As the mom of a special needs child, you learn to overcome and adapt. You have given us the freedom to be able to do that. It’s something no one can take away.”

What a powerful and poignant statement. Overcoming adversity and adapting to change is something we see every day in the families that we help. With the sudden illness of a child, their lives are changed in an instant, and they have no choice but to rise above a devastating disease or illness and do what they can for their child and their entire family. They face many challenges, including increased medical expenses and decreased income since one or both parents have to take time away from work to care for their ill child. The financial burden is overwhelming for most families. That’s where we step in!

Fred’s Footsteps works with each family on an individual basis to determine how we can best help to lighten their burden. Each family is different, and we recognize and embrace that.

Your support is integral to the fulfillment of this mission and the future sustainability of our organization. We hope that you are willing to give to a cause that is extremely important and greatly under funded.I invite you to visit our website, www.fredsfootsteps.org for more information. Also, please never hesitate to contact us directly with your questions or ideas.

On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I wish you a Holiday Season filled with peace, happiness and health!

                                                                                    Yours Truly,

                                                                                    Sylvia DiBona

                                                                                    Chairman of the Board