For nearly five decades, the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund has been a beacon of hope for families caring for seriously ill children. Now, after years of being based outside Philadelphia, the organization found a new home on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. It is open for business and to visitors.

Founded in 1976, shortly after Kelly Anne Dolan's death from leukemia, the fund provides financial and emotional support to families facing extraordinary circumstances. Its origin story is one of profound compassion. 

Kelly Anne's parents, Joe and Peggy Dolan, wanted to ensure that other families facing similar hardships would not struggle alone. What began with $8,000 raised following Kelly Anne's obituary has grown into an organization that has so far helped over 45,000 families. 

"These funds didn't exist back in 1976," said Board President Teresa Araco Rodgers. Araco Rodgers has worked with the fund for 28 years. "Joe and Peggy didn't really know how to do what they wanted to do, but they knew they wanted to provide financial support to families whose kids were seriously ill."

More than money

The fund's mission goes beyond simply providing financial assistance. Executive Director Danielle Griffiths, who brings both professional experience as a social worker and personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs, emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive community. "The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund is like another child of mine," she said. "I resonate with these families. I understand where they're coming from." Griffiths loves meeting the children and parents they assist, believing the best resource is often other parents.

One of the fund's distinguishing features is its broad approach to support. Unlike many charities, the Dolan fund assists families with children facing a wide range of medical conditions. "We are one of the only funds in existence that are not disease-specific," Griffiths explained. "You have to have a sick child, and you have to be struggling." The organization works closely with healthcare professionals who identify families, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

The fund also provides comprehensive support. While insurance often covers direct medical expenses, many other costs associated with caring for a seriously ill child can strain a family's resources. "All of the family's resources tend to go into the care of their child, and then what gets sacrificed are all the other bills," Araco Rodgers explained. The fund assists with everything from mortgage payments and utilities to car insurance and even cable bills, recognizing the importance of staying connected in today's world.

This holistic approach creates a long-term support system that provides one-time financial assistance, differentiating itself from its competitors. "We know that the vast majority of the families that we service, their child is sick for several years, or maybe there's chronic conditions like autism that do require ongoing support throughout the child's development," Araco Rodgers said. 

This continuous support fosters a sense of community, creating what the team affectionately calls "Dolan families." 

"It's like help and hope," Araco Rodgers said. "We know that the help we give them year after year provides the hope that a family needs to get through, even if they're not in the midst of a medical crisis, but just the day-to-day."

Providing community access

Moving to Chestnut Hill was a strategic decision for the organization, driven by a desire to be more accessible and integrated into a community. "We needed the vibrancy and the home," Griffiths explained.

Previously, the fund’s offices were less accessible to families and the general public. The new location already has families stopping by for assistance, a first for the organization. "That was amazing," Griffiths said, recalling a single mother who recently visited, seeking help for her daughter's specialized camp.

The new location also symbolizes a new chapter as the fund approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. "Most nonprofits do not get to 50," Griffiths said, highlighting its remarkable longevity and impact. Looking ahead, the fund’s leadership is developing additional programs to further support families. 

One initiative focuses on upcycling medical equipment, addressing the need for readily available resources insurance often takes time to provide. Another program aims to create sports opportunities for children with special needs, offering them a more normalized experience.

Araco Rodgers recalled an early story told by Peggy Dolan about a mother in the hospital who could not afford bus fare home. "It's very hard to ask for help," Araco Rodgers said, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and straightforward process. 

With their new home in Chestnut Hill, the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund is poised to continue its work for years. The organization welcomes visitors and encourages Northwest Philadelphians to learn more about its mission. 

"We are so thrilled to be a part of this community," Griffiths said.

http://www.dolanfund.org/

8624 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118