Make A Difference Minute: A Neighbor to Generations

Make A Difference Minute: A Friend Remembered

On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m remembering my friend, Chad Collins. Chad and I grew up together around Sanders Street and Second Avenue in Athens, Alabama. As the years passed, life took us in different directions, but the memories and friendship remained. Over the last several weeks, many people followed Chad’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Through it all, one thing remained constant, Chad asked for prayers. He was humble by nature and never wanted to be a burden. Even when friends rallied around him and organized support for his family, Chad admitted he probably would have said no if they had asked first. That’s just who Chad was. Although his fight was much shorter than anyone hoped, the outpouring of love from family, friends, and the community was a powerful reminder that we aren’t meant to carry life’s burdens alone. Tonight, I’m remembering a childhood friend, and I pray for his wife, Crystal, his son, Carson, and all who loved him. I’m grateful for the memories we shared and for the example Chad set. Sometimes, a person’s greatest legacy isn’t found in titles or accomplishments. It’s found in the lives they touched and the love they inspired in others. 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!™️

Make A Difference Minute: A Place to Help, A Place to Hope

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Nona Adams, principal of Cedar Hill Elementary School in Ardmore, Alabama, sharing what it means to have a Connie’s Cabinet on campus. Created in memory of Connie Ridgeway, Connie’s Cabinet provides a way for families to receive help with dignity and without shame. Principal Adams explains that many families quietly struggle and often don’t let others know about their needs. Having a place where food and household items are available allows children and families to receive support while preserving their privacy. She also shares her confidence in the Cedar Hill School community. Time and again, neighbors have come together during difficult moments. Through Connie’s Cabinet, that same spirit of generosity can become an ongoing way of caring for one another, allowing donations from students, families, and community members to stay local and meet needs before they become crises. As Principal Adams says, this creates an opportunity for people to consistently help one another without waiting for tragedy to bring everyone together. 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!™️

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!™️