Everyday Heroes with Jody Jackson

We will never forget Leighton Accardo- her smile that lit up an entire arena, a little girl that carved a place in our hearts and left us in awe of her courage in her battle against cancer.

Jody Jackson finds out how the Arizona Coyotes and Lyndsey Fry are making sure that Leighton is remembered for all those things as well as paving a way for other girls to play hockey. Skatin for Leighton is Jan 23 – Fry has been up early, training hard, ready to rollerblade 96 miles across the valley -hitting all the rinks-to raise money for a scholarship fund in Leighton’s name.

It’s the time of year to do a good deed or put a smile on someone’s face, especially in 2020. Jody Jackson talks to radio personality Rich Berra from the JohnJay and Rich show about the Christmas books he’s written for kids that raise money for the #LoveUp foundation. Jody also discovers a Chaparral high school student, Ethan Hott, sending baseball equipment to children in need in Africa.

A pig rescue? Yes indeed! Join Jody as she speaks with Danielle Betterman from Better Piggies Rescue to find out what these snouts are all about.

The pandemic kept fans away from Chase Field, but Janie McCauley wanted them to have a part of the season. Baseballs were one way to do it!

One is a baseball writer covering the D-backs, the other is an occupational therapist amidst this global pandemic, and both are new parents. Zach and Taryn Buchanan have their hands full on a day-to-day basis, not only navigating the obstacles of parenthood but doing so in a time unlike any other. Jody Jackson gets an intimate look at the Buchanans.

Youth sports are on the verge of coming back. But how do they safely in the midst of a global pandemic? Bobbi Jones, senior recreation coordinator at the City of Tempe, and James Vieth, owner National Youth Sports tackle that issue.

Teaching isn't easy and this pandemic has challenged academics in ways that were unpredictable. Jody sits with two educators, Kerry Durazo and Corey Walker from Kyrene De la Estrella elementary school, to discuss the transition, obstacles, and plans that have been put in place since the worldwide coronavirus pandemic began.

Jerry Brown and all the volunteers at the St. Mary's Food Bank are providing food to thousands of people during this critical time and have done so since John van Hengel founded it in 1967. Jody Jackson finds out how Brown and the rest of his volunteers are helping during this pandemic and how you can help!

There are so many people of vital importance trying to keep us safe through this time of uncertainty. Joyce Fender, an ICU nurse in the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, has been at the front, helping people deal with this outbreak. Here is her story.

Dave Pasch was busy, then Covid-19 hit. That didn't stop him from providing community support for those who needed it most.