Make A Difference Minute: Building Communities From the Ground Up

Make A Difference Minute: The Small Things Mean a Lot

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama, sharing how small acts of kindness have helped carry her through cancer treatments and chemotherapy. When people hear about a cancer diagnosis, they often wonder what they can do to help. Ashley's answer is simple: the little things matter. A surprise package in the mail filled with items to help during chemotherapy. A bag prepared by friends with snacks, blankets, fuzzy socks, and comfort items. Head wraps given with love after losing her hair. Help with her child when she needed support. None of these acts could take away the diagnosis, but each one reminded Ashley that she wasn't facing the journey alone. Sometimes encouragement doesn't have to be grand or expensive. A thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply showing up can make a difficult day a little easier. This MADM is brought to you by Hydration Lounge, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Facing the Unknown: Ashley Russell's Journey Through Cancer

Tonight, I'm joined by Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama. What started as a back injury and time away from work quickly turned into something much more serious when doctors discovered a mass on her kidney and adrenal gland. Since then, Ashley has faced countless doctor visits, scans, testing, surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Ashley is not only fighting for her health, but also trying to care for her 10-year-old daughter while navigating the financial strain that often accompanies a medical crisis. During our conversation, she shares her journey, the challenges her family has faced, the support that has helped carry her through, and the hope that keeps her moving forward. I hope you’ll join us as we shine a light on Ashley’s story and the realities many families face when serious illness enters their lives. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: More Than Job Training

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Dr. Tommy Davis, Executive Director of the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, sharing why their mission goes far beyond preparing people for careers in the skilled trades. While the academy was created to help address workforce needs, Dr. Davis quickly realized something even more important was happening. Lives were being changed. He shares the story of a man who entered the program while experiencing homelessness and living in a tent. Through training, determination, and opportunity, that individual found employment, gained stability, and eventually moved into a home of his own. Dr. Davis also talks about the confidence that comes from learning practical skills, working with your hands, and discovering what you're capable of accomplishing. For many students, the academy becomes more than a place to learn a trade. It becomes a place to rebuild belief in themselves and create a new path forward. This MADM is brought to you by Premier Structures, Inc., proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Building Futures Together with Dr. Tommy Davis & Marley Phillips

Tonight, I’m joined by Dr. Tommy Davis of the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy and Marley Phillips as we highlight a partnership focused on creating opportunities and building futures for young people in our community. Dr. Davis will share how the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy is helping prepare the next generation workforce through hands-on skilled trades training, while Marley Phillips will talk about Girls Inc./Girls Incorporated of Huntsville & the Eureka Program and how their partnership with NAHA is helping open doors for young women to explore career paths they may have never considered before. This is a conversation about mentorship, opportunity, confidence, workforce development, & helping students discover purpose and direction for their future. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Every Child Deserves the Chance to Learn

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Keri Morrison, Executive Director of Live Like Jake, sharing why swim lessons and water competency can save lives. Through Live Like Jake, thousands of swim lesson scholarships have been provided to families across the country, helping children gain critical self-rescue swimming skills. Keri also shares a heartbreaking reality many families may not realize: drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. As summer approaches and families spend more time around pools, lakes, and beaches, this conversation serves as an important reminder that water safety is not seasonal. Awareness, supervision, and swim lessons matter year-round. This MADM is brought to you by Bama Estate Planning by Attorney Harlan Mitchell, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️