Fred's Footsteps

Fred's Footsteps is a nonprofit organization that provides direct financial assistance to working families in the Philadelphia region who are facing financial crisis as the result of a child's illness or traumatic injury. Our grants are made possible by donations and volunteer support. The grants provide a funding bridge to help an entire family adjust to the child's new needs. No other nonprofit organization in the region provides this kind of support to families.

Fred's Footsteps does not pay medical bills, but we do help families make up for lost wages, or pay for equipment and home renovations, transportation costs to medical facilities, and household bills. We listen to parents when they tell us their greatest financial needs. They don't have to make the difficult choice between going to work and staying beside a child's hospital bed, or forgoing a mortgage payment or utility bill in order to pay for a ramp or wheelchair.

Fred's Footsteps extends the legacy of Fred DiBona who lost his battle to cancer in 2005. Fred's leadership was multi-faceted and tireless. He is not only recognized for his superb leadership as CEO of Independence Blue Cross for 15 years, he is also remembered as a leader in the civic and community sectors. Throughout his short but full life he was well-known for his generosity and compassion. When Fred saw someone in need—especially a child—he did everything he could to help. Over the past 10 years, we have followed in Fred's footsteps, donating more than $3.8 million to 575 families in the region.