Make A Difference Minute: Sara Frankline with Epilepsy Foundation of America

Make A Difference Minute: Sara Frankline with Epilepsy Foundation of America

On today’s Make A Difference Minute, we are once again highlighting the work of the Epilepsy Foundation of America with regional director Sara Sanderson Franklin! 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: A Legacy that Saves Lives

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Julie Garner, founder of Project Yellow Light, as she shares the heartbreaking story that inspired a national movement for safe driving. In 2007, Julie's 16-year-old son, Hunter, was killed in a car crash. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Julie, her husband, and their daughter made the decision to honor Hunter's memory by helping protect other young drivers. What began as a family's response to tragedy has grown into Project Yellow Light, a nationwide campaign raising awareness about distracted driving. Julie says many young drivers simply don't realize how dangerous driving can be. Some even believe being able to text while driving makes them a "good driver." Her message is clear and simple: when you're behind the wheel, put the phone away and focus on driving. Because no text message, social media post, or notification is worth a life. Learn more about Project Yellow Light and its mission to save lives at ProjectYellowLight.com [http://ProjectYellowLight.com]. 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!™️

Love Like Livvy

In honor of Livvy Rue Borden, from 4p-8p, Pizza Ed in Hartselle, Alabama, is hosting a fundraiser benefiting Smash SMARD and the mission to raise awareness and fund research for SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress Type 1). If you've ever wondered why this cause matters, I invite you to listen to my conversation with Kayleen and Drake Borden. Kayleen and Drake share the beautiful story of their daughter, Livvy Rue, who was born on November 21st, 2025, and spent 140 precious days filling the lives of those around her with love, laughter, and joy before passing away on April 10th after a courageous battle with the ultra-rare genetic disorder SMARD1. Their love for Livvy has become Love Like Livvy, an effort to one day establish a nonprofit foundation that will support families affected by SMARD1 through travel assistance, housing, research funding, and advocacy for newborn screening. I hope you'll take time to listen, learn about Livvy's incredible legacy, and, if you're in the Hartselle area this afternoon, consider supporting the fundraiser at Pizza Ed. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Love Like Livvy

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Kayleen and Drake Borden as they share how the life of their daughter, Livvy Rue Borden, is inspiring a mission to help other families facing the rare genetic disease SMARD1. While no parent expects to walk the road they have traveled, Kayleen and Drake have chosen to turn their grief into purpose. Through their effort, Love Like Livvy, they hope to one day establish a nonprofit foundation that will support families affected by SMARD1 by helping with travel, lodging, and other expenses while they seek specialized medical care. Their vision also includes partnering with neuromuscular and genetic specialists to help fund research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. They also hope to advocate for newborn screening so families can receive answers sooner and be better prepared than they were. Even in the midst of profound loss, Livvy’s legacy is becoming one of hope, compassion, and determination for families who may one day walk a similar path. To learn more about the effort to advance research for SMARD1, visit Smash SMARD and/or SmashSMARD.org [http://SmashSMARD.org]. 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: Finding Light in the Darkness

On this Make a Difference Minute, we continue our three-part series highlighting the family behind Aubrey's Love Foundation. After hearing from Aubrey’s dad, Allen, and her mom, Amy, today we hear from Aubrey’s sister, Abby. Abby shares what it was like in the days and months following the accident that claimed Aubrey’s life. She remembers wanting to be alone, but says her parents refused to let her face her grief in isolation. Looking back, she’s grateful they stayed by her side through one of the darkest seasons of her life. Abby says Aubrey’s Love Foundation gave her family something they desperately needed: purpose. By carrying on Aubrey’s legacy of kindness and service, they found a way to give Aubrey a voice while bringing hope to others. Today, Aubrey’s Love Foundation continues to award scholarships, support schools, invest in teachers, and meet needs throughout the community, ensuring Aubrey’s love continues to make a difference. Learn more at AubreysLove.com [http://AubreysLove.com]. 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!™️