Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke

08/04/2025

Every day, the brave men and women of our military risk everything to protect our freedom. At the Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA), we are driven by the belief that the most meaningful way we can honor their sacrifice is by showing them how deeply we appreciate their service - through shared experiences that bring them joy, connection, and healing.

In partnership with local organizations, AFTA provides military families with free or heavily discounted tickets to events like Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games, the ballet, the zoo, Playhouse in the Park, and many more. We also bring smiles to the children of these families each June by gifting them with new bikes and helmets as small tokens that remind them that they are seen, loved, and cared about.

Military families face unique pressures that few of us can imagine, from frequent deployments, long hours, and financial struggles to emotional tolls that can range from anxiety and depression to the heavy weight of PTSD. AFTA offers them opportunities to experience moments of beauty, joy, and peace that can be hard to come by amidst the stress and challenges of military life.

One Vietnam veteran, sharing his own struggle with PTSD, wrote, “The ballet gave me such serenity and an abundance of joy. The art of dance and the orchestra brought me peace. My sincere gratitude for an excellent production full of surprises.” These shared experiences foster a sense of community and remind these families that they are not alone in their struggles.

On July 10, we hosted a sold-out fundraiser at the Carlo & Johnny restaurant in Montgomery. Dr. Wenstrup, our keynote speaker, moved us all as he recounted his experiences as a combat surgeon in Iraq. He spoke candidly about the physical and emotional tolls of war and how those experiences shaped his understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the AFTA board and the generosity of all who attended, the event was a tremendous success, and we were reminded once again how meaningful it is to come together in support of those who serve us every day.

By offering these opportunities at no or low cost, AFTA gives military families the gift of respite and, in doing so, helps to restore balance, lift spirits, and bring emotional healing through art, entertainment, and connection. If you would like to learn more about AFTA or send a donation, please contact me at annkcooke@gmail.com.

Left to right: Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke, President, AFTA, and Dr. Brad Wenstrup, keynote speaker.

06/21/2025

You’re invited to an evening with Dr. Brad Wenstrup. Hear about leadership, service, and resilience in action! The Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA) is honored to welcome Dr. Brad Wenstrup, combat surgeon, retired U.S. Army Colonel, and former U.S. Congressman, as our keynote speaker at our upcoming AFTA Cincinnati banquet!

📅 Date: Thursday, July 10
🕒 Time: 6:30pm
📍 Location: Carlo & Johnny in Montgomery, OH

Dr. Wenstrup’s remarkable journey spans the operating room, the battlefield, and the U.S. Capitol. From saving lives in Iraq and during the 2017 congressional shooting to shaping national policy, his story is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with purpose under pressure.

Hear firsthand how courage, integrity, and service drive impactful leadership. Gain insights and leave inspired by a keynote grounded in real-world experience. Seats are limited, and this is a rare opportunity to learn from a veteran who has truly dedicated their life to service.

Become a sponsor or RSVP today to secure your spot and join us for this unforgettable event. For more information, visit https://drannkcooke.com/AFTA-banquet or email me at annkcooke@gmail.com.

Please support our mission of offering life-enriching experiences to service members, veterans, and their families. I look forward to seeing you there!

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About Dr. Westrup
A Cincinnati native, Dr. Wenstrup graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1980. From 2005 to 2006, Dr. Wenstrup served a tour in Iraq as a combat surgeon with the 344th Combat Support Hospital. Colonel Wenstrup was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge, then in 2018 was also awarded the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism. He returned home from Iraq, became involved in politics, and was elected to serve as a Congressional representative for the Ohio 2nd district from 2014 to 2025.

About AFTA
Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA) is dedicated to giving back to those who are currently serving and those who have served our country. All proceeds from the banquet will be used to purchase tickets to local sports games and entertainment events, as well as to fund our Annual June Bike and Helmet Giveaway.

06/10/2025

Vanessa still struggles with factors like perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder that contributed to her eating disorder three decades ago. I often see this with my clients, and it can stem from the fact that eating disorders are a lot about a lack of power. Click below to read more about her story and share it with someone who could use it.

https://drannkcooke.com/confessions-of-a-mostly-recovered-anorexic-dr-ann-kearney-cooke/

11/21/2024

Every day, American service members selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. One simple yet impactful way to support our troops is by showing gratitude. The mission of the Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA Cincinnati) is to express this gratitude by offering free or discounted tickets to military members, veterans, and their families for a variety of arts, sports, and community events. Through partnerships with local organizations, we provide access to events like the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games, and community landmarks such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Playhouse in the Park.

When local partners have extra tickets for unsold events, they reach out to AFTA, and we make these tickets available to military families. Additionally, we purchase tickets for highly requested events like FC Cincinnati games and The Nutcracker Ballet. Our Annual Bike Giveaway in June provides new bikes and helmets for the children of military parents. Since AFTA’s founding in 2008, we have distributed 174,866 tickets, valued at over $6.6 million, and donated 736 bikes and helmets, valued at over $56,000.

Military families face many of the same challenges as other working families but with additional pressures: multiple deployments, financial challenges, and long, demanding hours. They often bear the emotional weight of these stressors, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

AFTA supports military families experiencing uncertainty and disruption by creating opportunities for fun, relaxation, and community connection, which improves mental health and well-being for service members and their families. AFTA makes these events possible, which military families might not otherwise be able to afford. For example, families look forward to spending a July 4th weekend at a Reds game or celebrating the holidays with a trip to see The Nutcracker. Similarly, the joy at our annual bike giveaway is infectious as parents watch their children gleefully test-ride their new bikes in the parking lot.

These families have made great sacrifices for the good of our nation. They have answered the call of duty time and again. We invite you to support AFTA’s mission by providing free tickets, donations, or other contributions that will enable us to continue offering these experiences to local military families. One of
the easiest ways to get involved is by visiting our website at www.afta-cincinnati.org.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support those who protect our freedom.

Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD
President of AFTA
Phone: 513-545-1614

09/06/2024

This summer, AFTA-Cincinnati hosted its annual Bike Giveaway, distributing 76 bicycles to children of Active Military, Guard, Reserves, Retired Military, and Veterans' families so they could sail into the school year in style!

Thanks to the generous support of The Haile Foundation and private donors, AFTA-Cincinnati made this event possible for local military families.

“We are really excited that we once again were able to give away 76 bikes to the children of military families. Seeing the excitement of the kids as they pick up their new bikes and ride them around the parking lot is a joyful and inspiring experience." - Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD, president of AFTA.

AFTA-Cincinnati provided Walmart gift cards to the families for purchasing helmets and bike accessories, ensuring that every child could hit the road safely and in style. The organization extends its heartfelt thanks to the Board Members, Volunteers, and all the families who participated in making the event a resounding success.

About AFTA: AFTA-Cincinnati is dedicated to supporting local military families by providing programs and events that honor and give back to those who serve. Through community partnerships and generous donations, AFTA-Cincinnati strives to make a positive impact on the lives of military members and their families.

If you are interested in learning more about AFTA, volunteering or if your organization hosts events (arts, etc.) and you would like to donate tickets to AFTA please contact me at 513-545-1614.

05/02/2024

I am honored to be named President of the Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA). AFTA is an organization whose mission is to show gratitude to our active military men, women, and families by making available free or deeply discounted tickets for the arts (including Playhouse In The Park, Cincinnati Ballet, etc.); professional sports teams (Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, etc.) and community events (Sleepovers at the Zoo, Riverbend Summer Concerts, etc.) Our partners in the community contact AFTA if their event has not been sold out, and we deliver tickets to military families.

At our annual bike event in June, we buy new bikes and helmets to give to the children in the military, then celebrate together with ice cream trucks and fun activities for all. The excitement and joy of the kids when they ride around the parking lot with their new bikes is inspiring!

My father was in the Navy during World War II and was proud to play a role in stopping Hi**er and freeing the Jewish people. He often talked about his experiences during that time and the fact that his ship, nicknamed “The Lucky L,” almost went down many times, yet they survived. He was proud of what they were able to accomplish and talked about how families back home at that time struggled financially with the challenge of only one person being left at home. So, when Joyce Elkus, founder of AFTA, asked me to join the board several years ago, I saw it as a chance to give back to the military families who keep our country safe.

After interviewing members of the military, I learned that they often cannot afford tickets for the arts, sports events, and community events like the zoo. Many have told me that when a spouse is called to active duty and leaves the country, they go from a two-paycheck family to a one-paycheck family. The person at home can no longer work because they must take care of everything at home.

AFTA is a wonderful organization that helps make life better for military personnel. If you are interested in learning more about AFTA, please contact me at 513-545-1614 or AnnKCooke@gmail.com.

04/02/2024

Most research shows that individuals who use dermal fillers to look younger report feeling more confident and less appearance-related distress.

As a body image expert, I encourage doctors to conduct a detailed patient assessment prior to treatment to identify potential underlying issues such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, personality disorders, or mood disorders.

It's crucial to recognize that individuals with these conditions may be particularly vulnerable to developing an addiction to plastic surgery. Providing appropriate follow-up and referral to a mental health professional can ensure that any underlying psychological issues are addressed.

theSkimm

If “watch me get addicted to filler” videos have dominated your FYP, we’re here to tell you if you can really get hooked on tweakments. And if so, how to stop.

03/18/2024

Does the number on the scale determine your self-esteem? Knowing your core values and making sure your schedule reflects them shows that the compass of direction is within you. Real power does not come from the number on the scale or from comparing yourself with others. Instead, it comes from listening to your inner self and creating a life that is about healthy connections to others, meaningful work, getting out of your comfort zone, and following your passions. You can do this regardless of your weight or shape.

Stop focusing on unrealistic standards of beauty. Real power does not come from losing weight but from getting out of the cage that tells you that you are not enough and that you have to obsess about everything you eat. Be courageous - the time for change is now!

Read the full article at:
https://irisruthpastor.com/finding-your-compass-of-direction/

06/30/2023

When my daughter and her friends turned 16, their moms and I decided we wanted to plan a mother-daughter celebration. We took them to a Tina Turner concert! Tina has been an inspiration to my generation, my daughter's generation, and all women who have suffered abuse, including my clients. Here's why.

https://drannkcooke.com/tina-turner-a-story-of-courage-endurance-and-triumph/

06/28/2023

Body dysmorphia was originally described as “the imagined ugliness syndrome." It's more common than you think. Click to learn more in this article where I was asked to contribute my opinion and advice on how to handle body dysmorphia.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/26/health/body-dysmorphia-megan-fox-symptoms-treatment-wellness/index.html

Megan Fox said she’s among those affected by body dysmorphia. Experts explain the symptoms, effects and treatments available.

05/22/2023

Megan Fox says she has body dysmorphia - a disorder that can harm people’s mental health and self-esteem. Find out what causes it, what symptoms to look for, and what you can do if you or someone you know suffers from body dysmorphia in this article I was invited to contribute to last week.

If it resonates with you, please share the article so we can keep the conversation going. More people suffer from this than you might think.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/05/17/megan-fox-body-dysmorphia/

Body dysmorphia can harm people’s mental health and self-esteem.