After a seven-year wait, our sweetest dreams have come true—Zaxby’s milkshakes are back! Indulge in the returning classics like Birthday Cake, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla.
Now through the end of the year, when you purchase a Zaxby’s milkshake, they will make a sweet donation to Bert’s Big Adventure! In addition, through December 3rd (#GivingTuesday), Zaxby’s is doubling your monetary donations, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Every single contribution makes a difference for families in need.
THANK YOU to every person who indulges in a Zaxby’s milkshake through December 31st, and to our friends at Zaxby’s for their sweet support!!
But there’s even more sweet news in 2024! Along with these treats, we’re celebrating five heartwarming stories that made our year brighter.
Isaac’s New Heart
Early on the morning of March 15th, Isaac’s family received the life-changing news they’d been waiting for … #BBA2024 kid Isaac was getting a new heart! Mere hours later, Isaac was wheeled back for a 12-hour procedure. His mom, Bri, shared that Isaac’s heart began beating instantly, a beautiful gift they’ll always treasure.
His amazing team performed a scan the next morning and for the first time ever his family saw a beautiful, healthy heart with all four chambers. In a truly touching show of support, #BBA2024 families and members of the Bert’s Big Adventure and The Bert Show staff joined Isaac in wearing their red Bert’s Big Adventure trip shirts.
Journee Rings the Bell
On October 4th, #BBA2024 kid Journee made history as the first child to ring the bell signaling the end of her cancer treatment journey at the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta! At only three years old, Journee was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia. And, after a long, brave fight, she rang the bell in celebration of her remission, surrounded by loved ones, medical staff, the Bert’s Big Adventure staff, and more!. We couldn’t be prouder of this “bigger, badder, and better than cancer” survivor!
Greyson’s New Liver
On the morning of June 10th, Greyson’s family got the call that they had been eagerly anticipating – a call for a new liver! By 5 p.m., precious #BBA2024 kid Greyson was being wheeled into the operating room for a roughly 8 to 12-hour surgery. After a whirlwind trip to Nashville, the surgery was a success, and Greyson’s transplant went smoothly.
After a long wait, it all happened so quickly. By the next morning, the color had returned to Greyson’s face. This is something his family has been praying for and anticipating for many years. His family shared their gratitude, saying words could never express how thankful they are for the donor that saved Greyson’s life.
Sam Won Gold and Silver at the Special Olympics
#BBA2020 kid Sam, born with Down Syndrome and Tetralogy of Fallot, has braved multiple heart surgeries in his lifetime. However, he has always had a passion for swimming and began his journey when he was just 6 years old. After many years of dedication, Sam earned gold in the 25-meter Freestyle Relay, silver in the 25-meter Freestyle, and bronze in the 25-meter Butterfly in 2023. The event took place at Emory University, a place of special significance to his family as it was where Sam had heart surgery as a baby – making his victories a true “heart-a-versary” celebration.
In 2024, Sam returned even stronger, taking gold in the 25-meter Freestyle and silver in the Freestyle Relay and Butterfly. Sam is now training to swim longer distances and even learning underwater flips for 2025! Go Sam, go!
Stella’s Bone Marrow Transplant
On April 10th, #BBA2022 kid Stella underwent a successful bone marrow transplant and is currently doing well and growing stronger!! When Stella was only 4 years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her chemotherapy treatment started almost immediately, and her family’s lives changed forever. Stella’s resilience and her family’s love have helped her face the challenges of treatment. However, in 2023 shortly after ringing the bell, Stella relapsed.
This is a victory worth celebrating! As she continues to fight, we remain in awe of our sweet girl’s perseverance and bravery.
