There is one trip that happens each year, around this time, that I always wish I could somehow find my way into a suitcase, and go. Nope, it’s not a trip to the Super Bowl; it’s actually a trip to Disney World with Bert’s Big Adventure. Bert’s Big Adventure, for those who aren’t familiar is a non-profit organization that provides a spectacular five day journey to Walt Disney World for children with a chronic and/or terminal illness and their families. It is the inspirational creation of Atlanta superstar Bert Weiss, host of The Bert Show on All the Hits Q100, and his wife Stacey.
Since I can’t go again this year, I thought I would do the next best thing and have a send-off chat with Bert himself. Bert and Stacey have given their heart and their spirit to this cause for almost a decade. It is because of their compassion and dedication to help families in need that they are two of my Living by Giving heroes.
Kate: Hi Bert. Thanks for taking some time away from packing to chat with me. What year is this for you all?
Bert: Hi Kate. Always fun chatting with you. Can you believe it’s actually our ninth year?!
Kate: Wow! Your team must know Disney like the back of your hands. How is it different from the first year?
Bert: The organization has grown in so many ways. But the trip itself is, at its core, still the same. We still take an intimate group of families with us and go VIP the entire way. We just know how to do VIP better now [laughing]. We have been inspired by Disney World to really make the trip more magical every year. I mean, we have limos pick up the families at their home and take them to a hotel the night BEFORE the trip now. And that sets the tone for the entire trip. Each day is filled with more wow factors. The organization, however, has changed so much. That first year we simply were focused on the trip. But now we’ve evolved into an organization that has built a community of BBA families that we bring together and nurture all year long.
Kate: And that ongoing relationship I can imagine is so impactful for these families. We must give a shout-out to your wife, Stacey. I’m such a fan of hers and I know she plays such a huge role in this organization. Why is BBA so important to you both?
Bert: We get to provide escape AND connection. All at the same time. These families have no routine. Each day presents a new challenge. We get to allow them to lose control for 4 days in the most magical place on earth and reconnect with each other. Then when we get home we facilitate relationships with BBA families from the past. We try and make their lives better by providing a support group of BBA families. A special needs world can be a lonely place. Stacey and I are both commited to this being more than a trip but also instant family.
Kate: Your two boys are now 8 and 3; do they understand why you all take this trip each year? As a parent, why is it important to you to have them understand the importance of giving back to help others?
Bert: The 8 year old, Hayden gets it. Hollis, who is 3, can’t quite figure out why we’re going to Disney with other kids. But I’ve always believed that those early years are for teaching your kids in a way that emboldens their souls. Hollis might not literally understand what we’re doing, but as he grows older his soul will know that Mommy and Daddy were helping those that needed help. And that’s a huge lesson. Perhaps the greatest gift you can give to your kids is to make sure they are taking care of others.
Kate: I love that Bert. And I totally agree. It is a powerful character trait that we are never too young to learn. What is your biggest hope for all of the families that are going to Disney World this coming week? And what do you hope for them beyond this trip?
Bert: My hope is that the really get to connect with each other again. I want them to laugh. I want them to let go. I want them to forget about their illnesses for a few hours each day. And when they return to home, I want them to know that BBA is always here for them when they need help.
Kate: I am sure they do! Last question and it’s my favorite to ask: As someone who is trulyLiving by Giving, what advice would you give to someone who is looking for a way to get involved in the community?
Bert: As Nike would say, Just Do It! Time is the greatest gift. And ANYBODY can do it. You CAN make time and therefore you can make a difference. You might not have cash to give but everybody has a talent that they can give to make life better for somebody else.
Kate: Thanks so much Bert! Safe travels to you and all the families this week as you depart for the magical world that is Disney….Maybe I can go next year???…Bert? Bert?
[Silence]
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The adventure starts this Thursday and you can watch the send-off live starting at 5:30 am. Just head over to www.bertsbigadventure.org and be a part of the first magical moments for these special families.
You can also follow Bert’s Big Adventure on Facebook and Twitter.
Content from: www.kateatwood.com
