Make A Difference Minute: A Neighbor to Generations

Where Bluewater Runs with Anna Grace Miller & Edgar Micheal

Yesterday, I had author Anna Grace Miller and her 97-year-old grandfather, Edgar Michael, at CoraNation for a TMWS interview! Born in 1929, Mr. Michael is one year younger than my grandfather who raised me. Anna has written Where Bluewater Runs: A Southern Boyhood in the Great Depression, a book inspired by her granddad’s childhood and the real people, places, and events of 1938 Lexington, Alabama. I had such a good time visiting with Anna and Mr. Michael about the stories behind the book, the memories of growing up in Lexington, and what it means for a granddaughter to preserve her grandfather’s experiences for future generations. You can meet Anna and Mr. Michael at the special book release on Saturday, August 1st, from 10a until noon at Miller’s Feed & Seed in Green Hill! Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Let Us Love on You Through This

On this Make A Difference Minute, Hope Snoddy Hagan shares what the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community has meant to her family as her 19-year-old son, Adyn, battles severe aplastic anemia. Hope also shares an important message for others facing difficult circumstances: let people help, accept the support, and allow your community to surround you with love during the times you need it most. This MADM is brought to you by Athens Bible School, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Jagger's Journey Continues: Walking Alongside Adyn

On this edition of The Mark White Show, I’m coming to you from LifeSouth Blood Centers in Florence, Alabama, where I’m joined by Hope Snoddy Hagan and Misty George with Jagger’s Journey. In 2018, I first connected with Misty as her son, Jagger, battled severe aplastic anemia. Although Jagger passed away in 2020, his legacy continues through Jagger’s Journey and Misty’s efforts to support other families facing the same rare and serious disease. Today, that journey has connected Misty with the family of 19-year-old Adyn Hagan, the son of my Lauderdale County High School classmate, Hope Snoddy Hagan. Adyn was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia in April and has become dependent on blood and platelet transfusions as he prepares for a bone marrow transplant. During our conversation, Hope shares her experience as both a nurse practitioner and the mother of a son facing a life-threatening illness. She discusses how quickly their lives changed following Adyn’s diagnosis, the importance of blood and platelet donations, and what the support of the community has meant to their family. Misty shares Jagger’s story and how the support her family received during his battle inspired her to continue helping others through Jagger’s Journey. She also discusses the emotional and financial challenges families can face during extended medical treatments and why it is so important for families to know they do not have to face those challenges alone. We also discuss the importance of accepting help during difficult times and the many ways each of us can support families facing circumstances they never expected. I hope you’ll listen and share as we highlight Adyn’s battle, Jagger’s continuing legacy, and the difference we can make when we come together to support others. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Finding Her Place in the Story

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have 11-year-old Alabama actress Gabby Davis as she shares about landing the lead role of Izzy in Houdini the Magical Dog, currently being filmed in Athens, Alabama. After auditioning for the movie and receiving a callback, Gabby continued through the process until she received the call every young actor hopes for. She had been chosen to play Izzy. Her response was immediate. She screamed with excitement! Gabby’s journey into acting began unexpectedly after years of participating in beauty pageants. One opportunity led to another, eventually opening the door to the entertainment industry and now a leading role in a feature film. For Gabby, however, some of the best parts of acting are the people and relationships she discovers along the way. She loves meeting the cast and crew, working with the animals, and especially spending time with Kilo, the “magical” dog on set. At just 11 years old, Gabby is discovering where hard work, opportunity, and a willingness to try something new can lead. To find out more about Gabby Davis and Houdini the Magical Dog, follow Alabama FilmWorks on Facebook and Instagram. This MADM is brought to you by Bama Estate Planning by Attorney Harlan D. Mitchell, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Representing Culture on the Big Screen

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Bro Richmond, son of actor and stuntman Branscombe Richmond, as he shares about his experience working on Disney’s live-action Moana. Bro was selected from a large casting search that brought together Polynesians from across the United States with a wide variety of skills and experiences. With his background in stunt work, Bro was chosen to portray one of Moana’s ancestors in scenes filmed aboard a boat placed on a massive gimbal designed to recreate the movement and conditions of the high seas. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bro says he feels fortunate to have been handpicked for the role and to be part of a film that gives him the opportunity to represent his Hawaiian culture on the big screen. For Bro, the experience is about more than being part of a major film production. It’s an opportunity to honor where he comes from while continuing to build his own path in the entertainment industry. This MADM is brought to you by Bankston Motor Homes, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️