Breanna was ready to take off for Bert's Big adventure 2012

My Favorite Thing I do All Year

Once a year, host Bert Weiss of the Atlanta-based morning radio show "The Bert Show" takes 12-14 children who are dealing with chronic or acute illnesses, and their families, to Disney World for 5 days. This trip is called "Bert's Big Adventure" and can only be described as MAGIC. I went on my first trip 2010 as part of the staff, and it's always my favorite thing I do all year.

I was first brought in to assist my good friends at Troika Studio in video production, and being a person that can’t leave home without his camera, of course began snapping shots. Next thing I knew, my job was to officially document the trip, the children and their families.

But this trip isn't just about having fun at Disney with some great kids who are dealing with some tough medical diagnosis's-- I quickly got to see so much more. I saw an amazing medical staff that put their lives on hold for a week, year after year. I saw families that at one time might have felt isolated find a bond and use each other as resources for treatment, and emotional support. I saw a staff that worked so hard all year to make this trip everything that it is, only to work 16 hour days during the trip to keep the flow going, and a wonderful cast that work to keep this trip amazing year after year, going so far as to donate their wedding registry to the families, An amazing photo and video crew that have as much fun behind the camera as the children in front of it. And best of all I saw parents whose lives were consumed with dealing with their children’s medical concerns suddenly able to let go for a few days and really just enjoy spending time with their awesome children.

In two weeks I will be going on my 6th trip, and I apologize in advance if I blow up my Instagram feed with too many pics, but after all it is my favorite thing I do all year! #BBA2018

Bert's Big Adventure Mission Statement

Established in 2002, Bert’s Big Adventure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. To qualify for Bert’s Big Adventure, children must be between the ages of 5 and 12, live in “The Bert Show” radio listening area, prove financial need and have never been to Walt Disney World®. Following the annual trip, Bert’s Big Adventure provides year-round support through initiatives such as the Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program and additional charitable services. The trip and programs create a community of families that establish lasting friendships with others facing similar challenges.