06/21/2026
Father’s Day is complicated.
Today, the Amara Rose Foundation honors fathers whose love has carried families through addiction, recovery, loss, and healing.
We think of fathers who have lost a child to overdose. The fathers who carry their grief quietly. The ones who return to work on Monday, show up for their families, and somehow keep moving forward while carrying a heartbreak that never truly leaves them. Their grief is often less visible, but no less profound.
We think of fathers who are walking beside a son or daughter struggling with substance use disorder right now. Fathers answering late-night phone calls, setting boundaries, offering second chances, sitting in courtrooms, treatment centers, and hospital waiting rooms. Fathers who continue to love fiercely even when they feel exhausted, frightened, or helpless.
We think of fathers who are in recovery. The dads rebuilding trust one conversation at a time, celebrating milestones, and witnessing the remarkable courage it takes for families to heal together. Recovery doesn’t just restore lives—it helps restore families.
At the Amara Rose Foundation, we are fortunate to know fathers who represent many of these journeys.
Our foundation bears the name of Amara Rose (Mari), whose life and loss continue to inspire our mission. Her father, Jeff Richardson, serves on our Board of Directors. Though he now lives across the country, Jeff remains a valued part of our foundation family, lending his voice through advocacy, social media outreach, fundraising efforts, and events whenever he can return to Wisconsin. As Mari’s father, he brings the perspective of a parent whose love for his daughter continues long after loss.
Our Vice President, Randy Overson, Mari’s stepfather, stood beside Mari, Heidi, and their family through the hardest days of addiction and loss. He was there in the daily reality of the struggle, helping hold the family together through moments that tested them all. Today, he continues to share a father’s perspective on our panels, helping others understand both the devastation of overdose and the enduring power of unconditional love.
Board member Scott Bjerkos, a Vernon County Sheriff’s Dept Detective and proud new grandfather, has witnessed far too many overdose deaths in our community. Through his service and advocacy, he brings professionalism, compassion, and heart to our mission. Many of you have heard Scott’s voice in our latest awareness campaign, where he speaks for those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Today, we also recognize the countless fathers whose stories may never be told publicly but whose strength, love, and commitment make a difference every single day.
This Father’s Day, we honor the fathers who grieve, the fathers who fight, the fathers who support recovery, and the fathers who never give up.
Most of all, we hold onto hope.
Hope that more families will find recovery.
Hope that more lives will be saved.
Hope that stigma will continue to give way to understanding.
Hope that more fathers will get the chance to watch their children grow, heal, and thrive.
To all fathers walking this road—whether through loss, recovery, or somewhere in between—we see you, we honor you, and we stand with you.
Happy Father’s Day.
The Amara Rose Foundation
