We Share Our Best Moments With Bert's Big Adventure Kid Ayden

Summary

The Bert Show – "We Share Our Best Moments With Bert's Big Adventure Kid Ayden"

Date: February 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode centers around the Bert Show cast sharing their favorite experiences and memorable moments with Ayden, one of the remarkable kids from Bert's Big Adventure—a charitable initiative providing magical trips to Disney for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. The hosts, along with Ayden’s family, recount the transformative trip, reflecting on gratitude, courage, and the enduring bonds forged during the adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on the Bert’s Big Adventure Trip

• Bert kicks off the episode (01:29), immediately referencing his hoarse voice as proof of an action-packed weekend with the kids:

  "You know it was a successful trip because I've got the Monday Bert’s Big Adventure voice going on."

• The hosts express deep gratitude to listeners and donors for supporting the initiative and urge continued support, emphasizing that February donations are matched by Zaxby’s (01:51).

2. Ayden’s Thoughtful Approach to Souvenirs

• Bert shares a humorous disappointment:

  "I picked the one kid, the one kid that will not receive presents. He's like, 'No, I don't really need that... That costs too much... I'm not gonna use that.'" (02:56)
  Ayden’s humility and gratitude shine as he declines extravagant gifts, focusing instead on the experience.

3. Family Gratitude and Appreciation

• Brandy (Ayden’s mom) and Austin (Ayden’s dad) express how touched they are by the trip and the staff’s warmth:
  • Austin’s gratitude is so abundant that Bert jokes, “If I had a dollar for every time Austin thanked us for this trip, we wouldn’t have to be begging for money.” (03:41)
  • Austin describes the trip as a first-time experience, even though they’re from Orlando:

    "Just to see my son enjoy his time was worth all of it... The staff alone was just amazing to him." (04:18)

4. Roller Coaster Adventures and Sibling Fun

• The family shares Ayden's courage on rides like Tron and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, with Brandy beaming over his “first time upside down” on a coaster (05:09).
• AJ (Ayden’s older brother) recounts a hilarious and touching Tower of Terror story—full of authentic fear and camaraderie:

  "He was literally screaming at the top of his lungs with his hand covering his mouth... 'Oh my God, oh my God, are we dropping again?'" (06:41–07:49) The resulting ride photo and the group’s laughter become a trip highlight (08:39).

5. Making New Friends: David’s Perspective

• David, a Bert’s Big Adventure team member, shares how quickly Ayden embraced him:
  • Ayden breaking his “only family touches my wheelchair” rule for David signals instant trust and building of new family bonds (08:50):

    "Guess what, buddy. Bert’s Big Adventure is your family now." (09:09)

  • Ayden’s love for rides inspires other kids: after boasting about riding Tron, a line forms of kids wanting to watch his video proof (09:39).

6. Cost of Medical Equipment and Insurance Blessings

• Bert and Brandy discuss the staggering cost of wheelchairs:

  "Gunner’s mom said, $14,000. Brandy here... how much is his wheelchair at home?"
  Brandy: "It's approximately $40,000." (11:05)

• Fortunately, insurance has covered the full cost—an unusually positive story that brings collective relief.

7. A Mother's Letter: Emotional Impact of the Trip

• Brandy reads her moving letter to Ayden and the Bert’s Big Adventure community (11:36–13:12):

  "The joy we got to see on your face, Ayden, this past week is priceless... To watch you be carefree, and a kid with no medical appointments or therapies or hospital stays was just the best feeling in the world... We are so very blessed to have you as our DMD warrior and to teach us how to be more compassionate and patient."

• The letter moves the cast and listeners, capturing what the experience truly meant.

8. Continued Connections: Ayden and Jennifer Ramirez

• David highlights a new bond formed between Ayden and Jennifer Ramirez—a 2007 BBA alum and inspirational artist who paints with her mouth (13:28):

  "Aiden’s an artist as well... she's going to commission you to go ahead and give me some of your art to hang on my walls... She wants to come to your art show, too."

• Bert celebrates the multi-generational family that’s developed through Bert’s Big Adventure, spanning nearly 20 years (14:29).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bert on Spending Battle (02:46):

  "I can certainly spend better than Kristen can... but [Ayden] just wouldn't let me do it. He's so good like that."

• David on Becoming Family (09:09):

  "First Big Adventure is your family now. So it makes perfect sense."

• Brandy's Letter (12:05):

  "We got to see you have a pool party and feel included with other kids and just be silly and wild like a boy should be all the time."

• AJ’s Ride Experience (07:30):

  "This is not cool. Oh my God, oh my God. Are we going again? Are we dropping again? I think we are dropping again..."

• David on Ayden’s Inspiration (09:51):

  "There's a line out the door of kids over here just admiring how brave that Ayden was getting on Tron."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:29: Episode introduction, Bert’s post-trip voice and gratitude for donations
• 02:27: Bert’s “battle” with Kristen over souvenir spending, and Ayden’s kindness
• 03:41: Austin’s abundant gratitude
• 04:41: Brandy and Austin on Ayden’s courage with rides
• 06:28–08:39: AJ describes the Tower of Terror adventure and the infamous ride photo
• 08:50–10:19: David’s perspective on Ayden’s kindness and friendship
• 11:05: Discussion on the cost of specialized wheelchairs
• 11:36–13:12: Brandy reads her emotional letter to Ayden and the BBA team
• 13:28: The connection between Ayden and Jennifer, tying together generations of BBA kids

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Tone & Atmosphere

Throughout, the conversation is warm, humorous, and deeply genuine. The hosts and guests blend playful ribbing (about spending and ride courage) with poignant reflections and tears, capturing both the joy and the deep meaning behind these shared adventures.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode beautifully encapsulates the impact of Bert’s Big Adventure: forging lifelong connections, celebrating resilience, and reminding everyone of the simple joys of childhood, friendship, and family—no matter how that family is built. The bonds made on this trip reach beyond the park gates, illustrating the enduring power of community and compassion.

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For more on Ayden’s art and future family moments, stay tuned to The Bert Show and Bert’s Big Adventure!

Transcript

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[Bert]

The bird show, you know it was a successful trip because I've got the Monday Birch Big Adventure voice going on.

[Brandy]

Yes, you do.

[Bert]

Which means we ran 247 with these kids, man. Hey, thank you so much for your donations over the years to make Bir Big Adventure. BIR Big Adventure, right? So let's hit you up again this morning because we did a really good job of damaging our budget over the weekend.

[Donation Promoter]

All right? You can text the word bert B r t to 50155 or you can donate online at ber big adventure dot org. Just remember, for the month of February, your donation is going to get matched by our buddies at Zaxby's. So if you're like, I only got five bucks, dude, that five bucks just got turned into ten. And I promise, I promise you we will spend it not very wisely.

[Bert]

Let's introduce you to Aiden, his family, because I've got some beef with Aiden that I need to clear up here right away. This is Aiden, his mom, Brandy, and Austin, and the brother, AJ Also, you're about to get called out, aj. Yeah, you are.

[Brandy]

Just a second.

[Bert]

So you might want to take off. So here's the problem that I have with you, Aiden, is that I'm a very competitive guy.

[Brandy]

All right?

[Bert]

So I started to get rumors, I started to hear the scouting reports that Kristen was doing exactly what she does every year, is just spending money on these souvenirs left and right.

[Brandy]

Right.

[Bert]

So when I hear that, I'm like, okay, I am going to shower Aiden with gifts the next morning because I can certainly spend better than Kristen can.

[Brandy]

Right?

[Bert]

So there we are in the park, and I picked the one kid, the one kid that will not receive presents. He's like, no, I don't really need that. I don't really need that. That costs too much. I don't really need that. I'm not going to use that. I'm like, no, let me spend money on you. And he just wouldn't let me do it. He's so good like that. He is the kind of kid that was so sensitive about spending money where he's like, I don't. I don't need that. I don't really want that. So I couldn't beat you in the spending category this year.

[Donation Promoter]

Next time, just buy it.

[Rocket Money Host]

That's what I do.

[Bert]

Want it or not. You just buy it. Good morning, Brandy. How are you this morning?

[Brandy]

I'm good. Tired, but good.

[Bert]

Yeah, that's how it's supposed to be right now.

[Donation Promoter]

It's a very rewarding exhaustion.

[Brandy]

It is very.

[Bert]

And Austin also, I kept thinking to myself, this weekend, if I had a dollar for every time Austin thanked us for this trip, we wouldn't have to be begging for money because he's so appreciative of what's going on.

[Donation Promoter]

This is the level of gratit from these Burt's Big Adventure families. And I've seen this. I mean, before we even, you know, stepped foot on the Endeavor Air private flight down here to Orlando. Austin, because of everything he witnessed, he wanted to pay it forward for a future family. So he made a donation to Burt's Big Adventure this morning.

[Bert]

Thank you.

[Austin's Dad]

Not a problem.

[Bert]

Appreciate it. Tell me what you thought of the trip.

[Austin's Dad]

Wow, that's a lot to take in because it was a first time experience, even being from Orlando, and never once had an experience like that. So just to see my son enjoy his time was worth all of it, you know, and the Staff alone was just amazing to him. So it was an awesome, awesome experience.

[Bert]

Was this the very first time that you rode a roller coaster?

[Brandy]

No.

[Bert]

No.

[Brandy]

Okay.

[Bert]

Because he got on there, I heard he was scared of a couple of roller coasters. And then I started to get all sorts of reports like, that kid's not scared of anything now.

[Austin's Dad]

You talk them into it, and it kind of settles into his head. So once he's. Once his mindset, he's on it.

[Bert]

What was it? Tron A couple of times, yeah. Upside down on Rock and Roller Coaster also.

[Brandy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

Is that what I heard? And you were smiling ear to ear when you were telling me that story in the park.

[Brandy]

That was his first time upside down.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Brandy]

In a roller coaster.

[Bert]

And then you guys went on Tower of Terror or. No, it was a B. And your brother that went on Tower Terror. Ab. You want to tell this story?

[AJ]

Good morning. So I definitely have to set the stage on what went down with Tower of Terror. So like Bert said before, like, the gratitude with this family has been enormous and well received. And it was all about Aiden. And what we did was we were talking about Tower of Terror, and Aiden did not want to ride Tower of Terror, which was fine, but smart choice. Smart choice. Like, if you don't know Tower of Terror, very violent ride. Going up to the top, it's multiple drops, et cetera, et cetera. So his brother AJ wanted to do Tower of Terror, so we asked Aiden first, was it okay if we went over and rode it just by ourselves. Now, AJ is the coolest kid you will meet. Teenager, senior in high school. He's got this little, like, Justin Bieber swag to him, you know? You know, he's got a couple looks from the girls who are, like, walking by. You know, girls, like men want to be him. That's. That's the kind of guy AJ is. I just can't express enough what kind of swag he has.

[Brandy]

Sorry.

[AJ]

So as we're going through the line, getting to the top of Tower Terror, I noticed that, you know, AJ's getting kind of nervous. He would ask me, so is it. Is it dark in the territory? I was like, yeah, you know, it's pretty dark.

[Donation Promoter]

You Terrors in the name.

[AJ]

What do you think? And then he's like, well, you know, can you. Can you hold on to stuff while you're in there sitting all around? I was like, aj, it's Tower Terror. It's a roller coaster. Like, it's cool. Nothing's going to happen. It's going to have fun. You Go like. He's like, all right, all right. So are we sitting next to each other? All this detail is getting nervous and nervous. So we get to the ride. We get to the front. We're in the very front. And so all the lights go dark. And as we're going through the house, you know, they're doing all these, like, little sequences. And it gets dark and it gets bright again. So we get to the top, and he's like, I think we're about to drop. I think we're about to drop. I think we're about to drop. And so the character starts to fall, the first feet. And he's my boy, but he was literally screaming at the top of his lungs with his hand covering his mouth. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. And then it will stop. And he goes, this is not cool. This is not cool. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Are we going again? Are we dropping again? I think we are dropping again. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. And then we'll stop. And I turn around, and I'm looking at him. Then he has his hand. He has his face and his hands, like, literally covered over. But the funniest part was the girl next to him. So AJ's in the middle. I'm on the right. This random girl is on the left. And she is looking at him with this weird, like, are you a dude? I don't know why? Yelling at the tower of terror. And so, you know, they take pictures of you when you're doing on the first drop. And, I mean, it was the perfect picture because you see me and the girl turning and looking and looking at AJ like, what is wrong with you? And AJ has his hand over his mouth. He can just say. And when I tell you, we laughed so hard for at least 20 minutes sitting in the lobby, looking at the picture. He was such a great supporter. Was able to laugh. Laugh with me about himself to himself. And it just really made the trip just so much fun. And we just. That was one of my best memories ever of the Big Adventure.

[Bert]

If you don't think we're not taking that picture and sending it to your entire basketball team.

[David]

He was so wrong.

[Bert]

David got to hang out with Aiden on all the rides this weekend, right?

[David]

Oh, absolutely, man. This dude is a superhero and the perfect member of Burke's Big Adventure family. So I show up in the morning, Friday morning, I'm paired with that family. He's getting explained that we have this cut in line. Pass. That's amazing. And I was like, how exciting is that? And he goes, I'm excited to hang out with you for the day. Would you please push me in my wheelchair? And I said, absolutely, I will. And his family is just taken aback by this because they said he never lets anybody else touch his wheelchair unless you're in his family. And I said, well, I get that your wheelchair's an extension of who you are, but guess what, buddy. First big adventure is your family now. So it makes perfect sense. And I go, what do you want to do today? He goes, ride all the rides. So I pushed him around in that wheelchair. We went to every single ride. And you were humble a little earlier when you were talking about the whole Tron thing. This dude rewrote it at the beginning of the day. And then every single ride we rode throughout the day, he's like, I mean, that was kind of my favorite, but Tron, probably. So we go back, we ride it again a second time. His dad films the whole thing, and we come back here, and he starts telling the story to all the kids, the three amigos. Sebastian comes over, and he's like, you didn't ride Tron. He's like, let's just come on. Come look at this video. And Sebastian was like, no way. And two minutes later, all of a sudden, Sebastian has Gunner back with him. Was like, hey, show Gunner that video. Yeah, he rode Tron. And then all of a sudden, there's a line out the door of kids over here just admiring how brave that Aiden was getting on Tron.

[Donation Promoter]

The way they hype each other up is just so sweet.

[David]

It's amazing. And then on Sunday, all day, I was getting texts. This dude wrote Guardians of the Galaxy four times.

[Bert]

Really?

[Austin's Dad]

Oh. He made sure to let you know. He said, dad, you need to text Dave and tell him that's my favorite ride now.

[Bert]

So we continue those clips all day just for you.

[David]

Not let that go.

[Bert]

I love it. When we were hanging out in the park the other day, you don't really think of the costs of wheelchairs and stuff like that. But while we were all hanging out, I was having a conversation with Brandy, and I had talked to Gunner's mom also about his wheelchair. And I was just curious, like, how much does a wheelchair like that cost? Right? And Gunner's mom said, $14,000. And I ran that figure by Brandy here. And how much is his wheelchair at home?

[Brandy]

It's approximately $40,000.

[Bert]

$40,000 for a wheelchair? So when you're tooling around the parks or you see somebody in a wheelchair, some of those are $40,000. And insurance has been good to you guys when it comes to the wheelchair, right?

[Brandy]

Yes. They covered the full price of it. Yeah.

[Bert]

So, I mean, we hear so many horror stories when it comes to insurance, but in a case like this, man, they're covering all 40,000.

[Austin's Dad]

Very fortunate.

[Bert]

Yeah. Right?

[Brandy]

Yes.

[Bert]

All right, Brandy, so you got a Burke's Big Adventure letter ready to go?

[Brandy]

I do.

[Austin's Dad]

Keep it together.

[Brandy]

I'm gonna keep it together.

[Bert]

You don't have to.

[Brandy]

I lost my voice as well. So there are no words to describe the experience we have had with Bert's big adventure this past week. But I'll try it anyways with a few. First and foremost, the staff and volunteers are no longer known as such, but just family. I'm sorry. Give me just a second.

[Bert]

You don't have to apologize for a thing here.

[Brandy]

The joy we got to see on your face, Aiden, this past week is priceless to get. To watch you be carefree, and a kid with no medical appointments or therapies or hospital stays was just the best feeling in the world. To watch you open up and make new friends and family without feeling so out of place or judged cannot be more special to us. We got to see you have a pool party and feel included with other kids and just be silly and wild like a boy should be all the time. We are so very blessed to have you as our DMD warrior and to teach us how to be more compassionate and patient. I feel like Disney was the most magical thing you have experienced, but the love, respect, and just support from all the other families and all of Burt's big Adventure family and the bonds our kids have made on this trip is what has made this an adventure. And the best thing that our family has been blessed to be a part of, from the bottom of our hearts, we are so very thankful.

[Bert]

Love having you guys as part of our family.

[Brandy]

Man. Thank you.

[Bert]

Can't wait to see you guys again and hang out, you know, and before we get. I don't want to. I don't want to leave this segment without mentioning Jennifer Ramirez and the beautiful thing that happened between Jennifer and Aiden also. David, you want to help with that?

[David]

Yeah, absolutely. So for those who don't know, Jennifer Ramirez is a past BBA kid. She went in 2007. I say kid with quotes around it. She's a grown adult now, and she just bought a house. She has arthrogryposis, so she doesn't have control of her arm. She paints with her mouth, and she's actually gained like 20,000 Instagram followers by showing this amazing superhero ability. Aiden's an artist as well. We gave him. You know, he's got his. He's going to have his art hung in a. Was it the High Art Museum in Atlanta? And so I introduced the two because she was at the event on Thursday, and Aiden's dad came up to me and said, hey, we'd really like to stay connected with Jen. And I said, well, you're in the right place for that because that's what we do here. We're all family now. So I brought Jen over and she thought it was an amazing idea. And so she came over and she said, aiden, I heard that you're an artist. Well, guess what? I just bought a new house. And when I get in there after you get back from the trip, I'm going to commission you to go ahead and give me some of your art to hang on my walls. And she wants to come to your art show, too.

[Bert]

So I thought that was so cool because not only are we talking about connecting on this trip, but this is really all about families and connection. Not only these guys here, but you're connected to a whole community of kids that were on Burt's Big Adventure before. And this is like a shining example of that.

[Donation Promoter]

I mean, here you are on Burt's Big Adventure 2026, and you're making a bond with the Burt's Big adventure kid from 2007.

[Bert]

Isn't that cool?

[David]

Awesome.

[Bert]

That cool.

[Brandy]

Very cool. All right.

[Bert]

I hope we get an invite to the High Museum to see your art.

[Austin's Dad]

Okay.

[Bert]

That's going to be a special night.

[Donation Promoter]

We might have to get a bigger room now.

[Bert]

Welcome to the family. Yeah.

[Brandy]

Thank you.

[Austin's Dad]

Thank you very much.

[Bert]

Give us a couple of seconds here, and I think we can all agree on so many levels to this. We'll tell you about them next. Tell you about all the special levels next on Burt's Big Adventure 2026.

[AJ]

It'll be great.

[Bert]

The bird show.

[David]

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