Maddie’s Footprints was founded in 2010 by Lori and Travis McGrew in memory of their daughter, Madeline “Maddie” Noelle McGrew, who was born straight into heaven after being diagnosed with Trisomy 18. In the midst of their unimaginable grief, Lori and Travis felt called to ensure that no other family would feel isolated or alone during such a devastating time.
What began as one family’s response to loss has grown into a mission of compassion serving communities across 19 parishes in Acadiana and the Greater Baton Rouge area. For the past 16 years, Maddie’s Footprints has faithfully served families in the Acadiana area, and for the past four years, it has also expanded to support families in Greater Baton Rouge.
Maddie’s Footprints serves families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss at any gestational age through 13 months of life. The organization provides direct financial assistance for burial and cremation expenses, helping families honor their baby with dignity while easing unexpected financial burdens during an already overwhelming time.
In addition to financial assistance after a loss, Maddie’s Footprints also supports families experiencing anticipatory grief, those who know during pregnancy that their baby’s life will likely end in loss. These families receive compassionate guidance, resources, and meaningful support as they prepare their hearts for the time they have. After loss, professional grief support is available, along with a strong peer-to-peer community that reminds families they are not alone in their journey.
To continue this mission, Maddie’s Footprints hosts two signature annual events: the Annual Gala on March 20, 2026, and the Footprints Forever Race on November 14, 2026. These events bring the community together to honor babies, support grieving families, and ensure that services remain available to those who need them most.
At its heart, Maddie’s Footprints exists to honor every baby’s life — no matter how brief — and to walk beside families with gentleness, dignity, and hope. From one family’s loss came a mission that has now served hundreds of families, ensuring that love, remembrance, and community remain stronger than loss.
No family is ever asked about income, and no family is ever turned away. Every parent who reaches out is met with compassion, support, and the assurance that they do not have to walk this journey alone.