Make A Difference Minute: Investing in Their Future

Make A Difference Minute: Never Stop Looking for Answers

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Steffenie Jenkins sharing the journey she and her family have faced as they searched for answers for their son, Jacob. Now 21 years old, Jacob is battling bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and irreversible lung disease, and is receiving treatment through Mayo Clinic in Arizona. As Jacob’s health declined, Steffenie found herself in a position many families know all too well. She could see something was wrong, yet finding answers proved difficult. Through countless appointments, tests, setbacks, and frustrations, she continued advocating for her son and pushing forward when it would have been easy to give up. Her message is one of perseverance, determination, and trusting your instincts when someone you love is suffering. Sometimes the path to answers is longer than it should be, but Steffenie’s story is a reminder of the power of persistence and a mother’s unwavering love for her child. If you would like to support the Jenkins family, visit GoFundMe and search “Jacob’s Fight to Breathe: Help Us Continue His Care.” You can also email Steffenie at SteffenieJenkins@gmail.com for other ways to support. 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!™️

A Mother's Fight for Her Son: Steffenie and Jacob Jenkins' Story

On tonight's show, I'm joined by Steffenie Jenkins as she shares the story of her 21-year-old son, Jacob, and the medical battle that has changed their family’s life. After years of unanswered questions, Mayo Clinic diagnosed Jacob with Bronchiolitis Obliterans, a rare and irreversible lung disease. More recently, doctors determined the condition was likely caused by rheumatoid arthritis affecting his lungs, an extremely rare complication. Now, Jacob continues treatment while facing the possibility of a lung transplant in the future. This is a conversation about a mother’s determination, a young man’s courage, & a family’s fight to hold onto hope through unimaginable challenges. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Investing in Their Future

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Andy Esser with Edward Jones sharing why 529 education savings plans can be a valuable tool for families planning for future education expenses. While many people associate 529 plans with college savings, today’s plans offer more flexibility than ever before. Funds can be used for qualified educational expenses ranging from K-12 programs and trade schools to community colleges and traditional universities. Andy also discusses an important challenge facing families today. While many parents could benefit from a 529 plan, relatively few are taking advantage of the opportunity. Understanding the options available and starting early can help ease the financial burden of future educational costs. Whether a child dreams of attending college, learning a skilled trade, or pursuing another educational path, planning ahead can make those goals more attainable. 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!™️

Investing in the Future

Tonight, we’re bringing you two conversations centered on investing in the future, whether that’s through education planning or meeting practical needs within our schools and communities. In the first segment, I’m joined by Andy Esser with Edward Jones, for a national conversation tied to 529 Day, which took place last Friday. We’ll discuss new research showing many families are concerned about rising education costs, why education remains a top financial priority for parents and grandparents, and how 529 plans can help families prepare for future educational opportunities. This interview focuses on national trends and educational information that can help families begin thinking about their long-term goals and savings strategies. In the second segment, we’re headed to Ardmore, Alabama, for the dedication of Connie’s Cabinets at Johnson Elementary School (Athens, AL) and Cedar Hill Elementary School. Joining me are Johnson PTO Vice President and Parent Liaison Natosha Parker, Johnson Counselor Dr. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Russell, Cameron Williams, son of Connie Ridgeway, and Cedar Hill Elementary Principal Nona Adams. We’ll talk about what these cabinets mean to students and families, the spirit of service behind Connie’s legacy, and how communities come together to meet needs one person at a time. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: A Neighbor to Generations

On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re remembering Joe Negri, the beloved musician and actor known to generations of children as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. While many remember him as the friendly neighbor who walked through Fred Rogers’ television neighborhood, Joe’s contributions went far beyond a television role. An accomplished jazz guitarist and educator, he became an important part of one of the most influential children’s programs in television history. In this conversation, Joe reflects on how he became part of Fred Rogers’ world, the relationships he built with the Neighborhood of Make-Believe characters, and even the playful skepticism of his immigrant father, who never quite understood how Joe could carry on conversations with puppets so naturally. Joe Negri passed away just days before his 100th birthday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of music, kindness, creativity, and service. For countless children and families, he will always be remembered as a trusted friend who helped make the neighborhood feel a little warmer and more welcoming. This Make A Difference Minute is dedicated to Joe Negri and the joy he brought to generations. 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!™️