Friends of Freddie
A Pathway of Love, Healing, and Hope
Friends of Freddie is a community initiative through Camp Leif Ericson and the Sioux Falls Family YMCA that honors the lives touched by pregnancy loss and miscarriage—while also creating opportunities for all children to experience joy, nature, and belonging. Rooted in remembrance and resilience, this initiative supports the creation and care of Freddie’s Path, a nature sanctuary where healing begins and hope grows.
Why Freddie’s Path Matters
Every family’s story is unique. Some stories begin with unexpected goodbyes, and others with children who need a safe place to grow and play. Freddie’s Path was born from both—a heartfelt tribute to a life lost too soon, and a lasting gift to children in our community.
With reflection points, playful elements, and peaceful trails, Freddie’s Path is designed to support:
-
Kids of all abilities
-
Families experiencing grief or transition
-
Young minds in need of calm, connection, and wonder
Pregnancy loss affects 1 in 4 families—and yet, so often, the grief is quiet, unseen, or misunderstood. Friends of Freddie offers a gentle way to raise awareness, hold space for grief, and extend love to those who walk this path.
Whether you’ve lost a pregnancy, know someone who has, or simply want to show your support, Freddie’s Path is here for you. Your presence, your donation, your remembrance—it all matters.
When you support Friends of Freddie, you do more than build a path.
You:
-
Help families process loss in healthy, supported ways
-
Give children a safe, inclusive outdoor space
-
Make the YMCA’s mission of youth and community stronger than ever
Ways to Get Involved
- Give in Honor: Make a donation in memory of a little one or in support of a grieving family.
- Name a Bench or Brick: Create a lasting tribute with a named element along Freddie’s Path.
- Join the Friends Circle: Become a monthly donor or volunteer to help with path upkeep.
- Share Your Story: Add your voice to a growing community of parents, friends, and caregivers who want to break the silence around pregnancy loss.
