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Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our Kids & Pets Issue, a celebration of the special bond between children, animals, and the families who love them. Whether they have two legs or four, the smallest members of our households have a remarkable way of teaching us about kindness, patience, resilience, and unconditional love.
Inside these pages, you'll discover stories that highlight the joy, comfort, and connection that both children and pets bring to our community. From heartwarming family moments and inspiring local organizations to businesses dedicated to caring for our youngest loved ones and furry companions, this issue showcases the people and places that help make West Cobb such a wonderful place to call home.
You'll meet individuals who are making a difference through education, animal welfare, healthcare, and community service. These are people whose passion creates opportunities for children to grow, families to thrive, and pets to live happy, healthy lives. Their stories remind us that even the smallest acts of compassion can have a lasting impact.
One theme shines throughout this issue: love has a way of bringing us together. Whether it's a child finding confidence through a beloved pet, a family making lifelong memories with a new puppy, or neighbors coming together to support local causes, these connections strengthen the fabric of our community in meaningful ways.
This issue also celebrates the simple moments that often become our most treasured memories: the laughter of children at play, muddy paws racing through the backyard, bedtime stories shared with a pet curled nearby, and the everyday experiences that remind us to slow down and appreciate the joy surrounding us.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and for supporting the local businesses, organizations, and neighbors who help make West Cobb a vibrant, caring community. We hope these stories inspire you to embrace the moments that matter most, celebrate the connections that enrich our lives, and perhaps give an extra hug to the little ones, both human and furry, who make every day a little brighter.
Here's to the families, the friendships, the wagging tails, the endless curiosity, and the unconditional love that make our community feel like home.
Warmly,
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Ian Jarvis Hathaway | ian.hathaway@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com
Linda Carroll | lclifephotos@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrew J. Bramlett, Tran Bui, Wendy Edwards
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR @WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
It’s time you knew.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
PARKS & RECREATION
2: Nothing Bundt Cakes at Business After Hours 3: Guardians of the Jukebox concert at Glover Park 4: Marietta Soccer Fest 5: Art installation at the Franklin Corridor 6: Boy Band Review in Downtown Kennesaw
CITY OF MARIETTA
CITY OF MARIETTA
COBB CHAMBER DOWNTOWN KENNESAW
CITY OF MARIETTA
CITY OF MARIETTA
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Cosmetic Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
IV Sedation
PRP/PRF Treatments
Periodontics
Tissue Grafting treatments
Smile Brighter Live Better!
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"We focus on what matters most—your comfort, your health, and results that truly shine to help you smile with confidence."
The greatest things you
Cobb Chamber Celebrates Lockheed Martin’s 75 Years in Marietta
Cobb Chamber joined Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and a host of partners to celebrate 75 years of Lockheed Martin in Marietta. “[We’re] proud to stand alongside a company that invests in our region at every level, from the more than 5,600 jobs that power local families to the 21,000 volunteer hours Marietta employees give back to our schools and organizations each year,” Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber, says.
Photography by Cobb Chamber
Cobb Schools’ STEM Success Draws National Attention from Industry Leaders
Leaders from the Caterpillar Foundation and Project Lead the Way visited Walton High School to see firsthand how their partnership with Cobb Schools is helping prepare students for success in STEM careers. With their support, Cobb Schools has brought computer science education to all middle schools, creating a strong foundation for advanced STEM learning in high school. Walton students say the program’s hands-on learning and mentorship have strengthened their engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
CITA Student First Female to Win National SkillsUSA HVAC Competition
Ariela Vega, a rising senior at Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy, competed against high school students from across the country and was named the nation’s top HVAC competitor. This accomplishment comes just a few months after Ariela became the first female to be crowned State Champion at SkillsUSA Georgia. Ariela also becomes the firstever student at CITA to earn a national championship title at the SkillsUSA National Championships.
YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY
At Bridger Law Group, we understand that life in Cobb County is built on hard work, family values, and community. When an accident threatens your well-being, you need an experienced team that fights with integrity and dedication. Our personal injury firm combines former judges, former insurance lawyers, and former government lawyers with a personal commitment to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
ZOOMIN' GROOMIN'S PETS OF THE MONTH
5 Special Pets Worth Celebrating
OLLIE ODESSEY NAOMI
At six years old, Odyssey is the perfect combination of intelligence, energy, and unconditional love. She has a wonderful disposition that wins over everyone she meets. Always full of life, she’s happiest when she’s playing, spending time with her family, or showing off one of her favorite tricks— giving her dad a high-five! Odyssey is incredibly smart and has a way of making sure the household stays on schedule. She’ll happily remind everyone when it’s time for dinner and even lets Mom know when bedtime has arrived. Her clever personality and expressive nature make her more than just a pet—she’s truly a member of the family!
- Victoria Young
Ollie, our goldendoodle, has more energy than a double espresso and a paw phobia that turns nail trims into a full-contact sport. I tried DIY grooming for a while, and let's just say the results looked less "adorable doodle" and more "science fair volcano that lost its baking soda." Worse, Ollie started giving me the side-eye like I might come at his beard with scissors at any moment; our bond was genuinely taking a hit. We tried a couple of traditional groomers, but Ollie decided the car ride there was terrifying too, so getting him through the door was its own workout. Enter Zoomin' Groomin', recommended by a friend, and it's been a total game-changer. They come right to us, Ollie's stress levels have dropped dramatically, and I finally get to just be his person again, the one he trusts, not the one he's bracing for. Not to mention how awesome he looks afterward. He goes from a fluff pup to a groomed teddy bear every single time. Five stars, and heartfelt thanks to the Zoomin' Groomin' team for giving us that back.
- Natasha Roosekrans
GRAHAM
This is Graham! He is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever/Cocker Spaniel mix! I am the Managing Broker for the Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage in Woodstock. Graham comes to work with me every day and serves as our ‘Agent Support Dog’! He looks forward to his regular visits with Zoomin' Groomin', who come right to our office every month!
- Laura Martineau
LIZZIE
My husband Paul and I adopted her about 13 years ago. She has a very sweet and gentle disposition and just always wants to be with us. She is our special girl, and we just love her so much. We are so thankful for Zoomin' Groomin', as we know they are gentle with her and she always looks beautiful after her appointment. She has a severe tracheal collapse, and they are very sensitive to that and take great care to keep her comfortable for her grooming.
-Beth Connolly
OLIVER
Oliver is such a joy. He has the sweetest personality: loving, playful, and full of life. Even at 10 years old, he still has a puppy spirit and, watching him play always makes us smile. We love that his monthly spa day with Zoomin' Groomin' lets him be pampered right at home in a way that is much less stressful for him.
- Jeanine Fine
Local Pediatric Feeding Therapist Launches “Hugo’s Brave Bite” to Support Families at the Table
Helping Children
Find Their Brave Bite
For many families, mealtimes are meant to be moments of connection, but for parents of children with feeding challenges, they can be filled with stress, worry, and uncertainty. After more than a decade supporting these families firsthand, local pediatric feeding therapist Charlene Kurkjian, OTR/L, is bringing hope to the table in a new way, with the launch of her children’s book, Hugo’s Brave Bite. Charlene is the founder of Happy Hungry Hippos Feeding Clinic, a pediatric practice dedicated exclusively to helping children who struggle with eating, whether due to extreme picky eating, sensory sensitivities, anxiety
“THIS BOOK ALLOWS ME TO DO THAT IN A NEW WAY, RIGHT IN THEIR HOMES, AT THEIR KITCHEN TABLES.”
around food, or more complex feeding disorders. She spent 20 years serving families in East Cobb before relocating her practice to Marietta just off the Square, where she has continued her work for the past four years.
Over the course of her career, Charlene has worked with hundreds of children and parents navigating the emotional and practical challenges of feeding. “Parents often come to me exhausted and overwhelmed,” she shares. “They’ve tried everything—reward systems, pressure, and bargaining, just to name a few, and nothing feels like it’s helping. My role is to help them understand why their child is struggling and how to move forward in a supportive, evidence-based way.” That philosophy is at the heart of Hugo’s Brave Bite.
A STORY BORN FROM THE THERAPY ROOM
The idea for the book didn’t come from a publishing plan. Rather, it came from real therapy sessions. “I kept seeing the same fears show up in children again and again,” Charlene explains. “Fear or anxiety of new foods, fear of gagging, fear of doing something wrong. And I realized that kids needed a way to see themselves in the story, without pressure and without shame.” Hugo’s Brave Bite follows Hugo, a thoughtful hippo who wants to be brave but feels unsure when faced with new foods. Instead of focusing on “just take a bite,” the story gently introduces concepts of curiosity, sensory exploration, and small steps, approaches that are foundational in feeding therapy. “The goal isn’t to convince a child to eat everything,” she says. “It’s to help them feel safe enough to try.”
Parents reading the book alongside their children often recognize familiar moments: hesitation at the table, big emotions around food, and the quiet courage it takes to try something new. The story also
subtly models supportive language and expectations, giving caregivers tools they can use in real life.
BRIDGING EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
As a pediatric occupational therapist with advanced training in feeding therapy, Charlene is known locally for her playful and practical approach and her emphasis on parent education.
She believes that lasting change doesn’t come from quick fixes. It comes from understanding the child and empowering the family.
The book is an extension of that mission. “I wanted something families could come back to again and again,” she says. “A book that supports what we’re working on in therapy but is also meaningful for families who may not have access to feeding services yet.”
A LOCAL LAUNCH WITH A BROADER VISION
While Hugo’s Brave Bite is proudly launching as a local project, its message reaches far beyond Marietta. The book is the first in a planned series featuring Hugo the Hippo, each story addressing different aspects of feeding challenges and emotional regulation around food. For Charlene, the launch represents both a personal milestone and a professional evolution. “I’ve always believed in meeting families where they are,” she says. “This book allows me to do that in a new way, right in their homes, at their kitchen tables.”
Hugo’s Brave Bite is now available on Amazon in paperback and hardback, and is recommended for preschool and early elementary-aged children, particularly those who struggle with picky eating or food anxiety.
As families turn the pages with their children, Charlene hopes they’ll walk away with one simple truth: bravery at the table doesn’t have to be big—it just has to begin.
BY AMY
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Homemade Dog Food
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
ARTICLE
TINNIN
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
HOMETOWN TO COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
HARRISON HIGH'S JASON WALK LEADS OKLAHOMA TO COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
Year after year, dozens of former Cobb Schools baseball players take the field with their college teams, dreaming of playing for a national championship. This year, only one has that chance. Former Harrison High School standout Jason Walk is the centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the NCAA Division I College World Series-bound University of Oklahoma. When he and his Sooners teammates upset the Kansas Jayhawks in the Super Regionals, Jason was one step closer to fulfilling that dream.
ARTICLE BY COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS
“I’m just blessed to be in this position,” the junior outfielder says. “It's awesome because coming here, I knew I was going to have a chance of playing in Omaha one day, and I can’t wait to see what this has in store.”
Jason has been a major factor in helping his team get to Omaha. He batted .391 (9-for-23) in Oklahoma’s first round, fivegame Regionals tournament, with five runs batted in. In the twogame sweep of Kansas in the Super Regionals, Jason was equally effective. He batted .444 (4-for-9), with two doubles and scored three runs, rising to the occasion when the games mattered most. Throughout his collegiate career, Jason has also proven to be a base-stealing threat, with 45 swipes during his time in Norman, Oklahoma. He also has excelled in the outfield, as evidenced by his three-year .976 fielding percentage and recent Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team honor.
“I just feel like I do it all,” the former Georgia East-West Underclassmen All-Star admits. “That may sound a little cocky, but I just feel like I'm a spark plug. I can change a game on defense, on offense, or on the bases. That’s just what I do.”
The versatility that has made Jason a standout for the Sooners is the same trait that helped him excel during his days with the Harrison Hoyas. Whether with his glove, his speed, or his bat,
Jason developed a reputation for impacting games in multiple ways long before he reached college baseball’s biggest stage.
An infielder in high school, Jason was the No.2-rated shortstop in Georgia as a senior by Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report. He earned All-State honors as a junior, sporting 22 stolen bases that season. He played under current Harrison baseball head coach Jake Storey as well as legendary Mark Elkins, whose name carries top billing on the Hoyas’ baseball complex.
“Coach Elkins taught me the small things early on that just stuck with me,” the 2023 Harrison graduate insists. “Coach Elkins and Coach Storey were great. They helped me throughout my career there, and I couldn’t have made it here without them.”
Only three years removed from his high school graduation, Jason now finds himself preparing for college baseball’s biggest stage. The journey from Hoya shortstop to College World Series centerfielder has happened quickly, but he has not forgotten the coaches, teammates, and community that helped him along the way.
“I just love being on the field and being in this position. It’s happened so fast,” the Sooner spark plug says. “And it's awesome knowing that there's such a big community back home supporting me.”
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 Cup oats
• 1 Cup sunflower seeds
• ½ Cup dates
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or other lightflavored oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon dried ginger
• Desiccated coconut for rolling
Carrot Cake ENERGY BALLS
ARTICLE BY MY KIDS LICK THE BOWL
Also known as carrot oat energy bites or carrot cake bliss balls, these delectable creations are a treat. They're a healthy, vegan, no-bake, nut-free energy ball for kids and a perfect after-school snack or lunchbox treat that comes together in minutes. This recipe makes 30 balls to fuel your week.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place carrots in a sturdy food processor and blitz until very finely chopped
2. Add remaining ingredients, excluding the desiccated coconut, and blitz until the mixture comes together into a large ball. This may take some time- 5 or so minutes of blitzing but be patient; it will get there
3. Using a teaspoon, form balls; the mixture will be quite sticky (because of the water content of the fresh carrot), but the texture improves once you roll in coconut. If you keep your hands damp, the mix won't stick to your fingers. Get the kids involved; they will love the mess!
4. Roll the balls in desiccated coconut (Optional)
5. Refrigerate before serving
NOTES:
The balls will be quite soft when first made as the mixture is quite warm from them blitzing. Refrigerate for a good few hours, and this will improve immensely. This recipe is wheat-free but does contain traditional oats, so it is not gluten-free. You can use either medjool or regular dates; regular dates may need to be softened by soaking in hot water if your food processor is not sturdy. The dates can be substituted for raisins or sultanas.
NUTRITION:
Serving: 1g | Calories: 63cal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Pro tein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 267mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
50 WAYS TO Give Back
PEACHTREE PEST CONTROL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
As Peachtree Pest Control celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company is marking the milestone in ways that extend far beyond pest control. Through its yearlong "50 for 50" initiative, the locally owned business has committed to completing 50 acts of community service.
"We wouldn't be celebrating 50 years without the trust and loyalty of our customers," Alicia Maresco, Marketing Director, says. "Many families have relied on us for generations, and we never take that for granted. '50 for 50' is our way of saying thank you by giving back and making a positive difference in the communities we serve."
The initiative officially launched on March 24 with a partnership between Peachtree Pest Control and Bikes for Goodness Sakes. Employees assembled 10 bicycles, complete with helmets, which were donated to children participating in programs at Nicholas House, an Atlanta nonprofit that supports families experiencing homelessness.
For Maresco, the bike build remains one of the campaign's most meaningful projects.
"Seeing those bikes go to kids who truly needed them was incredibly rewarding," she says. "It perfectly captures what '50 for 50' is all about: bringing our team together to make a meaningful, lasting impact."
CONTINUED >
Since the campaign began, Peachtree Pest Control has completed 33 community service projects, contributing 43 employee volunteer hours while partnering with 19 nonprofit organizations. The company has supported initiatives benefiting food banks, schools, foster children, veterans, environmental programs, and families throughout its service area.
Among the projects that stand out most is the company's summer food drive, which supports the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta. The effort was designed to help meet the increased demand many food banks experience during the summer months when children no longer have access to school meal programs.
Another memorable partnership involved Presley's Peace Love & Lemonade, an annual lemonade stand organized by a young girl in Augusta. Peachtree Pest Control matched her $2,500 donation to Corazón Bonito, a nonprofit serving foster children and individuals receiving hospice care.
"We're committed to supporting our communities wherever help is needed," Maresco explains. "Whether it's supporting families, schools, environmental efforts, veterans, or other local causes, our goal is to give back in ways that reflect the unique needs of each community. As a local company, we believe being a good neighbor means showing up, lending a hand, and making a positive difference wherever we can."
That philosophy has resonated throughout the organization. Employee participation has exceeded expectations, with team members enthusiastically volunteering while also suggesting new organizations and service opportunities throughout the year. The campaign has also introduced the company to nonprofits it had not previously worked with, opening the door to new partnerships that may continue well beyond the anniversary celebration.
"We wouldn't be celebrating 50 years without the trust and loyalty of our customers"
For Peachtree Pest Control, those relationships reinforce an important lesson learned over the past five decades.
The nonprofit later shared how part of those funds helped provide pallets of bottled water to a local church operating a cooling center for people experiencing homelessness during extreme summer heat.
"It was powerful to see how a small community fundraiser, amplified through partnership, created a ripple effect that directly supported some of the most vulnerable residents in our area," Maresco says.
Rather than focusing on a single cause, the "50 for 50" campaign was intentionally designed to address a range of community needs.
"Community involvement is an important part of being in the service industry," Maresco says. "We're not just serving customers; we're serving our neighbors."
As the company works toward completing all 50 service projects, leaders hope residents remember the campaign as more than an anniversary celebration.
Looking ahead, Peachtree Pest Control expects the spirit behind the initiative to continue long after its anniversary year concludes. "Our focus will always remain the same," Maresco says. "Protecting what matters most while making a positive impact on the communities we serve."
STORIES OF HOPE
Brittany Petish Brings Stories of Hope to Children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
For author Brittany Petish, reading Sally the Brave at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta was about more than sharing a children's book. It was about creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection for children and families navigating some of life's greatest challenges.
"It was an incredible honor," Petish says. "Hospitals can be overwhelming places, so being invited to bring a little joy, comfort, and imagination into that space meant a great deal to me."
During her visit, Petish read from Sally the Brave , a story inspired by a real deer whose
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
"Story time becomes a safe place to imagine, smile, and simply be a kid for a little while."
resilience encourages children to embrace courage and kindness. As families gathered to listen, she saw children briefly escape the stress of hospital stays through the power of storytelling.
"What surprised me most was the atmosphere," she says. "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta was one of the kindest places I've ever been."
Petish described an environment filled with compassion, where staff welcomed every child with warmth, families supported one another, and children demonstrated remarkable resilience despite their circumstances. "You could truly feel that everyone was there with one shared purpose: to help children heal."
Unlike readings at schools or libraries, hospital story times require a different approach. Every child arrives with unique emotions and experiences, making the focus less about entertaining an audience and more about meeting children where they are.
"In a hospital, some children may be scared, uncomfortable, or simply having a difficult day," Petish explains. "Story time becomes a safe place to imagine, smile, and simply be a kid for a little while."
Following the reading, children decorated kindness jars they could take home, a hands-on activity that reinforced the book's message that even small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day.
One moment from the visit left a lasting impression. While reading, a young boy picked up her Sweet Sally plush toy and asked why the plush had a torn ear.
Petish explained that the real Sally had a torn ear and she wanted the plush to reflect her true story. The boy paused before saying the torn ear wasn't necessary, since Sally was already perfect.
"It was such a simple moment, but one I'll never forget," Petish says. "He reminded me that children often see beyond scars or imperfections. They simply see someone worthy of love."
That exchange perfectly captured the lessons she hopes children carry with them. She believes bravery can be as simple as showing up, asking for help, or believing tomorrow will be better.
"Stories provide something that's often difficult to find during a hospital stay: freedom," she says. "While stories can't heal an illness, they can absolutely lift a spirit. They create moments of laughter, connection, courage, and hope."
Petish left feeling just as inspired as the children she hoped to encourage.
"I came hoping to encourage children through Sally the Brave, but I left feeling inspired by them," she says. "Their resilience, kindness, laughter, and strength were extraordinary. Sometimes the smallest moments can make a bigger difference than we ever realize."
