A Touching Letter From Bert's Big Adventure Kid Kendell's Dad

Summary

The Bert Show Episode Summary

Episode Title: A Touching Letter From Bert's Big Adventure Kid Kendell's Dad
Date: February 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode centers on the Bert’s Big Adventure, a nonprofit initiative giving children with chronic and terminal illnesses magical experiences at Walt Disney World. The focus is on Kendall and her family's first-ever vacation together. Highlights include magical moments at Disney, Kendall’s reactions to meeting her favorite characters, and a moving letter from her father, Carv, expressing pride and gratitude for his daughter’s bravery as well as the impact of Bert's Big Adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Unique Magic of This Year's Trip

• Openness Among Families – The hosts note an extraordinary sense of authenticity and openness among both children and parents, fostering deeper connections:
  • “The kids were just very open with each other this weekend of what their quote unquote disabilities were…that immediately made the wall sort of go down and that was contagious to the parents.” (Host, 01:29)
• Exceptional Disney Staff – Kristen and others highlight how Disney cast members went above and beyond to create memorable experiences, transcending expectations:
  • “They Disney super served us inside the parks this week.” (Kristen, 02:01)

Kendall’s Family: First-Ever Vacation

• Introduction of Kendall and Family – The hosts introduce Kendall, her mom Phoebe, dad Carv, and little brother Cairo, marking this as their first family trip.
• High Expectations – The group expressed excitement to make the adventure truly memorable:
  • “We made sure it was a good one.” (Kristen, 02:41)

Magical Moments at Hollywood Studios

(Segment begins ~02:59)

• Beauty and the Beast Live Show:

  • Kristen describes being transfixed not by the performance, but by Kendall’s awe-struck joy watching the show from the front row:
    • “The only thing I'm watching is Kendall's beautiful face, her smile the entire time, and she's just like this. She's in awe.” (Kristen, 04:02)
  • After the show, the family is invited backstage to meet Belle, Prince Adam, and more:
    • “...they are all waiting to meet Princess Kendall. Wow. And, I mean, Phoebe and I were a blubbering mess.” (Kristen, 05:00)

• Impactful Representation:

  • Kendall meets the live-action Ariel backstage—a profoundly meaningful moment for the family, especially seeing a princess that looks like her:
    • “I got to witness black girl magic in the flesh, and it was so spectacular. Phoebe's crying. I'm crying. Carbs crying. But Kendall, that was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.” (Kristen, 08:16)
  • “To see someone that looks like her and...yeah. Representation.” (Phoebe, 09:29)

• Inclusivity and Kindness:

  • Disney staff and passersby help foster magic, and Kendall’s joy radiates through the park, even turning strangers’ frowns into smiles.
    • “I witnessed the Kendall factor…All of a sudden, I saw those frowns start to turn around, and everyone in line was smiling.” (Seth, 06:48)

• Adaptive Communication:

  • Kristen shares learning to respect Kendall’s independence by devising code words for wheelchair assistance:
    • “So when you wanted me to push your wheelchair, what did you say? Banana…And when you were ready to push yourself, what did you say?...Doggy.” (Kristen & Seth, 10:04-10:37)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Kristen on the magical day:
  • “It was pure magic. And I fully believe it's all because of that beautiful girl and her beautiful smile. Like, she created the magic.” (Kristen, 02:59)
• Phoebe’s reaction to meeting Belle:
  • “Just seeing the happiness on her face.” (Phoebe, 05:52)
• On meeting live-action Ariel:
  • “She said it was the best day of her life. I can't even put into words how happy I was for her. She loves Ariel so much.” (Phoebe, 09:11)
• Carv reflecting on the experience:
  • “Ariel locked in. She stayed in character the whole time.” (Carv, 09:23)

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The Touching Letter from Carv to Kendall

(Segment begins ~11:18 – Letter starts at 11:24)

Carv delivers a deeply emotional, beautifully phrased letter to his daughter, Kendall, recounting her medical struggles (born at 24 weeks, cerebral palsy, sickle cell), her bravery, and the significance of this magical Disney trip. Some highlights:

• On Kendall’s Strength:

  • “Before you ever spoke your first word, you were already teaching us what courage looks like…”
  • “You are stronger than any storm that has tried to shake you, and you are brighter than any shadow that has crossed your path.” (Carv, 12:42)

• On the Disney Experience:

  • “This week felt like a real life fairy tale…Because in those moments, the hospital rooms faded, and the diagnosis didn't define you, and the struggles didn't lead your story. You did.” (Carv, 12:44)

• Gratitude to Bert’s Big Adventure:

  • “They didn't just give us a trip. They gave us a rest. They gave us moments that medical charts and diagnosis didn't take center stage…They gave us laughter, connect, and memories as well.” (Carv, 13:18)

• Conclusion:

  • “We love you beyond words. Whatever—no, beyond stars, beyond ever. Beyond any happily ever after. Forever and always, mom and dad.” (Carv, 13:44)

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Closing Reactions

• The hosts and family are moved to tears, acknowledging the impact Kendall’s spirit brings to everyone.

  • “Beautiful family, and welcome to Burke's Big Adventure. You're now part of our family, and I can't wait to see that smiling face that lights up every single room it's in time and time again over the next year.” (Host, 13:48)
  • “I'm taking her to every show with me so we can get backstage.” (Kristen, 13:58)

• The show wraps up this segment affirming the new bonds formed and celebrating the joy and lessons brought by Kendall and her family.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:59] Kristen describes the magical day at Hollywood Studios
• [05:00] Family is invited backstage to meet Beauty and the Beast cast
• [08:16] Kendall meets live-action Ariel; discussion of representation
• [10:04] Code words for wheelchair assistance shared
• [11:24] Carv reads heartfelt letter to Kendall
• [13:44] Emotional closure; family welcomed into Bert’s Big Adventure community

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Summary Tone & Language

The episode is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and emotional honesty—mixing laughter, tears, and profound gratitude. The Bert Show’s signature humor shines through, but the focus is on the genuine connections, the power of joy, and the impact of compassionate community.

Transcript

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[Host (possibly named Birch)]

in comedian Nate Brigetzi's new game show

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

to Win, you don't need to know the right answer, just what most Americans think is right.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

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[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

We asked 100 average Americans, did they keep an empty gas can in their car?

[Commercial Announcer]

No.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

Have they ever broken a bone?

[Commercial Announcer]

No.

[Kristen]

I said a lot of no.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

That's all right. My wife says a lot of no as well.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

The greatest Average American premieres Wednesday, 9.8Central on ABC and stream next day on Hulu.

[Carv (Dad)]

Hey.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

The Bird Show Spurt's Big Adventure 2026 another epic trip. And if you're just now joining us, there was just something a little bit different and special this year about Burke's big Adventure. And I know we say that every year, and I've spent the better part of a day and a half now trying to figure it out. And I really do think maybe it's because the kids were just very open with each other this weekend of what their quote unquote disabilities were. And I think that immediately made the wall sort of go down and that was contagious to the parents.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

Also.

[Kristen]

It also felt like the magic was super sized this year. Yeah, like, like what the some of the stuff that we got to witness in the parks. And I know we give Disney a hard time because, you know, she expensive. But at the same time, all of the cast members at Disney, I have so many stories of how they helped to create more Magic for our families. And so they really do. Like, they Disney super served us inside the parks this week.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

So let's get Kendall in here and her mom Phoebe and Carv and little brother Cairo here also. They were telling me, this is your very first family vacation together.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Yes. Right?

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

This is so cool.

[Kristen]

I know. We made sure it was a good one. Yeah, absolutely.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Yeah. I'm gonna turn this over to Kristen because, I mean, we're at the dinner on, what was it, Saturday night, and you come running up to me, and you're like, oh, my God. And this was the most epic day. And I'm like, tell me about it. You're like, no, not till we're on the air on Monday.

[Kristen]

I learned from the best. I'm like, on the air. So, yeah, I had the distinct honor of hanging out with Kendall's family at Hollywood studio. So mom, Phoebe, dad, carve little bro Cairo, and we seriously, it was just. It was pure magic. And I fully believe it's all because of that beautiful girl and her beautiful smile. Like, she created the magic. Saturday, so we get to Hollywood studios, and, you know, we're bopping around, and she is all about the shows, like, the dancing and the singing. And I have never been partnered with somebody who wanted to do shows at Hollywood studios, so we got to go, like, to all these new shows. I was so excited. So we go to the Beauty and the Beast live show, which is spectacular, by the way. Like, they. The way they're singing, the costuming. We're sitting front row where we deserve, because the lady asked us. She's like, where would you like to sit? And we're like, the front row. So we're sitting.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Yeah. Who says the back row? Is that even a question? Right there? Put us in the fourth row.

[Kristen]

And so we are sitting there, and I honestly am not watching a minute of the Beauty and the Beast show. The only thing I'm watching is Kendall's beautiful face, her smile the entire time, and she's just like this. She's in awe. And at one point, she takes her hands and she clasped them together, and she's just looking and just smiling at Belle and her dancers. And, like, Phoebe and I both, we could not keep our eyes off of her. The show ends, and it's time for us to get up and leave, Right? But then this guy comes over, and he's like, no, I need you to sit here. And I was like, okay. You know, well, it's because, you know, Kendall's in a wheelchair. We're gonna have to Wait for everybody else to leave. And we're waiting, and we're waiting, and everybody. And I'm like, what? Then this woman comes up and introduces herself. She's like, hi, my name is Bird, and I am the stage manager for Beauty and the Beast. And I have some friends who would really like to meet you. And me and Phoebe looked at each other.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

We're like, oh, my God.

[Kristen]

And we. We could not even begin to imagine. So after they emptied the theater, they escort us backstage, and there's Belle and there's Prince Adam, and there are some of their friends, and they are all waiting to meet Princess Kendall. Wow. And, I mean, Phoebe and I were a blubbering mess. Yeah. They handed her a special rose because we all know how special the rose is. And I've never been. Like, our videographers and photographers are so awesome. But, you know, we have 11 families that they're having to move around to. I'm so grateful Seth was there, and he got to video the entire interaction.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

I did. Yes. And it was tough. I mean, my eyes were watering up. And you just keep the camera in focus.

[Kristen]

Just get it. I mean, Phoebe, why did that moment mean so much to you?

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Just seeing the happiness on her face. Yeah.

[Kristen]

Kendall, what was it like meeting Belle? It was awesome.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Yeah, it was.

[Kristen]

And that's when we got our first dad tears.

[Carv (Dad)]

Didn't we carve the second set?

[Kristen]

All right. And so it doesn't end there. It really just was, like, every corner we turned, like, we're walking through the park, and. And there's Woody and. And. And there's Jesse. And so we get to meet them. And, Seth, you noticed something when we were meeting Woody and Jesse that I was oblivious to because I was just making sure, like, I'm like, carve. Get your pass out. Because I know how these passes work. And so what did you witness?

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

Well, I witnessed the Kendall factor. Like you said. We rolled up, and there was a real long line to see Woody and Debbie.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Woody and Debbie.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

I call her Debbie.

[Kristen]

I don't know.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

It's a little thing I have.

[Kristen]

Jesse.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

Jesse, thank you.

[Kristen]

You're welcome.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

But anyway, there was a long line, and they were very popular. And the Ken. The Kendall factor, they let us go right up in front and cut the line. And this magic came over the crowd at. They were a little bit. Some sour faces in that line. But then when they started to see Kendall and her face light up, all of a sudden, I saw those frowns start to turn around, and everyone in line was smiling.

[Carv (Dad)]

It was.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

It was Special.

[Kristen]

And then we turn another corner, and there's Buzz Lightyear. So we get our picture taken with Buzz, but they're like. And you think Beauty and the Beast, like, them taking us backstage to. To meet the performers. It's not going to. Like, that was our high.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

And that's how we started the day. Like, that's how Kendall kicked off the day at Hollywood Studios. But she. We went and saw the. We did the Frozen Sing along, and we went and saw the Little Mermaid show. And after the Little Mermaid show, it's time to, you know, sit down and have some lunch. And I'm looking at the map, and I opened the Disney app, and I'm like, oh, you can meet live action Ariel. So I didn't tell Phoebe, I didn't tell Carv, and I didn't tell Kendall. And I was like, we're. This. This is a definite. So we walk. And we have to walk all the way through this museum, and we get to the back of this Disney museum, and I see Phoebe's face because she sees the big poster, and she sees Ariel. Live action Ariel's face. And I think you realize in that moment, what was. What was going to happen.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

So we go. They take us the special back room because we have our special birds big adventure passes, and we walk into that back room in her face. When she saw Princess Ariel, the live action Princess Ariel, I got to witness black girl magic in the flesh, and it was so spectacular. Phoebe's crying. I'm crying. Carbs crying. But Kendall, that was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. And not only Ariel recognized the importance of the moment. She really did. She recognized the importance in the moment. She gave mom just as many hugs

[Phoebe (Mom)]

as she gave Kendall.

[Kristen]

But I want. If you can put into words words, Phoebe, like,

[Phoebe (Mom)]

I mean, I feel like Kendall said it was. She said it was the best day of her life. I can't even put into words how happy I was for her. She loves Ariel so much.

[Carv (Dad)]

It was spectacular. Ariel locked in.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Yeah.

[Carv (Dad)]

She stayed in character the whole time.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Just. Yeah. To see someone that looks like her and. Yeah. Representation.

[Kristen]

Yeah. So what did you and Ariel talk about? Kendall.

[Carv (Dad)]

Yeah.

[Kristen]

She showed you some of her thingamabobs? Yes.

[Phoebe (Mom)]

Yes.

[Kristen]

And Cairo, he just walked right up, and he was right there in the mix and just hanging out with her. And she. She spent so much time just down on Kendall's level and just, like, really connecting with her. And I kid you not, like, that's. That's a core. That's a core memory For Bert's big adventure. For me.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

No doubt.

[Carv (Dad)]

No doubt.

[Kristen]

It was so special. And Kendall and I, we had our own code words, right? Because I don't know why it took me 15 years to learn this, but here we are. 15 years in wheelchairs are very, very important, and they are an extension of our burst Big adventure kids. So I wanted to be very respectful of Kendall's space because she's a super independent woman. I don't know if you know this or not. And so we had code words, didn't we, Kendall? Yeah. So when you wanted me to push your wheelchair, what did you say? Banana. Banana. And when you were ready to push yourself, what did you say?

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

Doggy.

[Kristen]

Doggy. And so we just had this language we spoke throughout the park. And so whenever she needed a little extra sentence or a little extra assistance, she'd holler out, banana. And I was right there to push you along.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

I'm going to steal that next year. That's a great idea.

[Kristen]

Yeah, it was. It was so perfect. But you guys were just. You were such an incredible family to hang. You just so sweet and so like they were. We. We covered every. We did a lot of walking, didn't we, Phoebe?

[Phoebe (Mom)]

A lot of walking, a lot of crying.

[Kristen]

Yes.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

That's a lot of firsts on this trip. Also, like, that has never happened before, where you go backstage like that, and they just pull you out of the crowd. That's pretty cool. And that's because of your smile.

[Kristen]

Yes.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

All right, you got that.

[Co-host or Reporter (Seth)]

All right.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

And people pick up on your love. That's for sure, Kendall. All right, carve. You going to read the letter here to your Burks Big Adventure child?

[Carv (Dad)]

Absolutely. Okay. My sweet Kendall, as incredible week here at Walt Disney World comes to a close, I find myself wishing I could bottle up every smile, every laugh, every sparkle in your eye so I could hold on to it forever. From the very beginning, you have been our miracle. You came into this world at just 24 weeks, so tiny, so fragile. And we were told that you only had a 25% chance of surviving. But even then, you were stronger than anyone new. Before you ever spoke your first word, you were already teaching us what courage looks like. You fought through complications of being born so early. You face your challenges of cerebral palsy with strength that most adults never have to find. And just when you thought you had already endeared enough, you were diagnosed with sickle cell as well. Watching you be in and out the hospital, enduring treatments, tests, and pain no other child should have to bear, that has been the hardest thing you experience as parents. But, Kendall, what amazes me so much is the battles. Not the battles you face, but is how you face them. You shine, you smile. You love. You keep going. This week felt like a real life fairy tale. Watching you meet your princesses who look like you. Seeing you light up when they spoke to you like you were one of them. Hearing your laughter echo down Main Street. Those are the moments we will treasure forever. Because in those moments, the hospital rooms faded, and then the. And the diagnosis didn't define you, and the struggles didn't lead your story. You did. You are brave girl and radiant girl. You are stronger than any storm that has tried to shake you, and you are brighter than any shadow that has crossed your path. We are incredibly proud of you. Not just surviving, but thriving in the ways that matter to you the most. And we would also like to thank Bert's Big Adventure. What you have done. And for us, and so many families as well, it's really life changing. They didn't just give us a trip. They gave us a rest. They gave us a rest from worry. They gave us moments that medical charts and diagnosis didn't take center stage. They gave us laughter, connect, and memories as well. Kendall, this trip may be coming to an end, but the magic you carry inside you will be forever. No castles, no fireworks, no fairytale could ever compare to the wonder of being your parent. Thank you for teaching us what faith looks like. Thank you for showing us bravery. And we will love. We love you beyond words. Whatever. No, beyond stars, beyond ever. Beyond any happily ever after. Forever and always, mom and dad.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Beautiful family, and welcome to Burke's Big Adventure. You're now part of our family, and I can't wait to see that smiling face that lights up every single room it's in time and time again over the next year.

[Kristen]

Okay, dude, I'm taking her to every show with me so we can get backstage.

[Carv (Dad)]

Seriously?

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Hey, you want to go to Taylor Swift with me?

[Carv (Dad)]

All right.

[Host (possibly named Birch)]

Coming up in a couple of seconds here. I do believe. Believe that I can say confidence that we have our very first codependent relationship between a staff member and a Burt's Big Adventure child. Asher, we need to talk about this. Next on the Birch Show. Hey, the Birch Show.

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