A Philly Special Bond

At the base of the art museum steps, a father and his newborn son gaze at the mountainous summit that overlooks the city of Philadelphia - the same steps Rocky climbed, a World Champion cussed, and a bearded Mummer roared. As they ascend the stairs - and age - the father uses sports, fandom, boos, and passion as a metaphor for overcoming adversity in life's most challenging moments. A "passing of the torch" moment occurs between the father and his son at the pinnacle of both the steps and the story. The family grows with traditions ingrained, and the legacy lives on in a new generation.

A Philly Special Bond features Philadelphia's 5 major sports franchises - the Union, Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, and of course, the Eagles - all with millions of the best fans worldwide. It also includes references to some of the most influential athletes of this generation, including MVP Joel Embiid, 2x MVP Bryce Harper, QB Jalen Hurts, future HOFer and #1 sports podcast host of New Heights, Jason Kelce, and the Eagles All Pro and 2023-24 Nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year, Lane Johnson.

Mentorship for our youth and more specifically, for young men, is lacking. The statistics of inequity and its repercussion of violence are undeniable. Fathers and father-figures are needed to empower and uplift our community - to actively model what it means to be physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. To communicate effectively, resolve conflict peacefully, and serve others. A Philly Special Bond addresses these concerns through the most simplistic, yet powerful tool in our arsenal: storytime with dad.