The Bert Show – "Meet Bert's Big Adventure Kid Kendell!"

Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartwarming episode of The Bert Show spotlights Kendell, a remarkable child selected for Bert’s Big Adventure 2026, and her extraordinary family. The core of the episode is an interview with Kendell, her parents Phoebe and Carv, and her younger brother Cairo, sharing their emotional and dramatic journey—highlighting Kendell’s premature birth, her parents' resilience as young caregivers, and how the community comes together to support kids with unique challenges. The conversation crescendos with a surprise announcement: Kendell’s invitation as a VIP guest to the Barbie Dream Fest, courtesy of Mattel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bert’s Big Adventure: Context & Fundraising

• The team celebrates the 23rd Bert’s Big Adventure trip in the foundation’s 24th year. (01:31)
• They encourage listeners to contribute $5 to help cover costs for families during the Disney trip (snacks, drinks, etc.), with donations matched by Zaxby’s.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “Popcorn. $14.30 for a souvenir bucket... Mickey pretzel is gonna run you about nine bucks.” – Bert (02:30–02:45)

2. Introducing Kendell’s Family

• Host Bert introduces Kendell and her family: mom Phoebe, dad Carv, brother Cairo (03:48).
• Their Wild Start:
  • Phoebe and Carv find out Phoebe is pregnant on a Tuesday and have Kendell on Friday (at only 24 weeks gestation).
  • Both parents were teenagers at the time: Phoebe was 17 about to turn 18, Carv was 19.
• Unique Moment:
  • After giving birth, Phoebe went right back to her college classes, visiting Kendell in NICU before and after school.
  • Quote:
    • “I had my bands on and everything…and just…do my classes, go see her after classes, and then go home after that and just do that every day.” – Phoebe (06:39)

3. Kendell's Early Days and Medical Journey

• Premature Birth:
  • Kendell was born at 24 weeks, weighing only 1 pound, 3 ounces. (06:01)
  • She faced serious odds: doctors warned she likely wouldn’t walk, talk, or breathe on her own (08:24).
  • Diagnosed with grade three brain bleed and later cerebral palsy.
  • Parental Perspective:
    • “Doctors don’t know what God knows, right? And she is a living example. What a miracle.” – Bert (09:04)
  • Kendell spent about five months in the NICU; Phoebe and Carv credit the medical team at Gwinnett Medical for guidance and support (07:38).

4. Bringing Kendell Home & Young Parenthood

• The family shares the surreal, terrifying experience of finally taking Kendell home after months in the hospital — on New Year’s Eve (10:04).
• They relied on a strong support system, including therapist visits and friends who stayed overnight to help them transition (10:40).

5. Kendell's Personality and Dreams

• Excited for Disney:
  • When asked what she's most excited for — “Everything!” – Kendell (11:10)
  • Especially meeting all the Disney princesses (11:19–11:28).
• Barbie Obsession:
  • Kendell loves Barbie and dreams of owning a 3D printer to make wheelchairs for her dolls.
  • Quote:
    • “That would be so cool, because…that’s kind of important because you have a chair to help you get around, right?” – Host (11:49)

6. Surprise from Mattel: Barbie Dream Fest VIP

• Nancy Molenda, Vice President of Global Corporate Events & Philanthropy at Mattel, appears via video to invite Kendell and her family as VIP guests at Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (12:43–13:41).
  • Offers full VIP treatment: flights, hotel, spending money, plus bins of new Barbies for Kendell’s collection (13:41–15:16).
  • Quote:
    • “We, Mattel and Mattel Philanthropy, would love to invite you and your family to join us as a VIP guest coming up next month at the Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida…We’re going to give you the best Barbie experience you can ever imagine.” – Nancy Molenda (12:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Cost of Disney Snacks:
  “It’s bread and salt. It’s what they were eating in the depression.” – Bert, riffing on the price of pretzels (02:54)
• On NICU Survival:
  “What they can do at hospitals now in NICU with a 1 pound baby, I mean, 20 years ago, we’re talking about a very different story.” – Bert (06:06)
• On Parental Determination:
  “We always had hope that she was gonna be okay.” – Phoebe (09:21)
• On the Miracle of Kendell:
  “She is the definition of perseverance, and she is the definition of ‘I’m going to show you.’” – Kristin (08:46)
• On Inclusion in Play:
  “When they heard about you wanting to 3D print wheelchairs for your Barbies, they were like, absolutely. We need this girl to be at the Barbie Dream Fest and she needs to be our VIP.” – Kristin (14:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:31 – Bert’s Big Adventure context & fundraising appeal
• 03:48 – Introduction of Kendell and family
• 04:24 – The “found out Tuesday, delivered Friday” story begins
• 06:01 – Kendell’s birth weight, medical challenges
• 07:38 – Learning about Kendell’s medical needs, diagnosis
• 10:04 – Taking Kendell home from the NICU
• 11:04 – Kendell shares Disney excitement
• 11:39 – Kendell’s dream: 3D-printed wheelchairs for Barbies
• 12:43 – Mattel and Barbie Dream Fest VIP surprise
• 14:13 – Barbie Fest details, Kendell's celebration

Episode Tone

True to The Bert Show’s style, the episode is lively, unscripted, and infused with humor, warmth, and compassion. The hosts balance serious, emotional storytelling with playful banter, ensuring Kendell and her family feel celebrated and supported.

Summary

This episode of The Bert Show provides a moving, insightful portrait of a family’s courage, a child’s resilience, and a community’s outpouring of support and generosity. From NICU struggles to Disney dreams and a VIP Barbie experience, Kendell and her family exemplify how determination, love, and a little bit of magic can create extraordinary stories.