Our founder, Tricia Dyal, started Hug-A-Hero® (originally Daddy Dolls) after witnessing first hand how hard military deployments were on her children. After multiple deployments, the absence of daddy was beginning to take its toll. She wanted to find some way to make the separation easier for her daughters while keeping their father close to their hearts and in their prayers. With her determination to bridge the gap and Aunt Mary's creativity, Hug-A-Hero was born!

After seeing the amazing response from her children, she realized that there were many children out there, not just military, that could use a doll of that special someone that was far away. Her children not only played with their Hug-A-Hero dolls, but also relied on them for strength during trying times, such as doctor's visits, first day of school, and bedtimes. Sometimes only that distant loved one will do!

All of us here at Hug-A-Hero hope that the dolls touch your lives as much as they have ours.