Welcome to Daddy's Spirit

Providing positive experiences for children

who are grieving the loss of their father


THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SUPPORTED US AS WE HONORED RACE CAR DRIVER DAVID DONOHUE, SON OF THE LATE RACING LEGEND MARK DONOHUE with the inaugural "In My Daddy's Spirit" Award.

Please click here for the post-event article and photos.

Testimonials and other words from the heart

"I want to thank you for giving of yourselves and your time on Father’s Day. You have no idea how much it meant to my family.  For people who have lost their father, especially children, Father’s Day is just sad.  No words can express the pain that these children feel.  Attending the Phillies game is a way for “Daddy’s Spirit” to be remembered in a happy way.  God Bless You."
—D.D., mother of a program participant

see more Testimonials

How we Began - read about the origin of Daddy's Spirit in the words of our founder, Ron Opher, in a story called "Bonus Time"

"I Miss You, Daddy" - a poem written for Daddy's Spirit by Jill Eisnaugle

Lyrics to "Here with Me," written by Chris Holt (song appears in "Riding on my Daddy's Shoulders" video).

"Daddy, Where Are You," written and illsutrated by Barbara Rockaway, is a children's book written in memory of Barbara's nephew, Timm Snider, from the perspective of a letter to Timm's surviving son.  A copy of the book has been donated to Daddy's Spirit and is available to families with young children (up to age 7) to borrow.

Sesame Street's "When Families Grieve" is a resource kit produced by Sesame Workshop for young children who are grieving.  It includes a one-hour video hosted by Katie Couric.  Kits are available free of charge to Daddy's Spirit participant families - please feel free to send your request using our contact form.

Daddy's Spirit Memory Wall