The Mark White Show

On this edition of The Mark White Show, I'm talking with Jewell Brown, a mother and grandmother who is courageously living with end stage kidney failure and searching for a living kidney donor.

Twenty years ago, Jewell received a kidney transplant from her mother, a gift that allowed her to raise her sons, build a life, and become the proud Mimi of three grandchildren. That transplant gave her years she is deeply grateful for. Now, as that kidney begins to fail, Jewell faces the difficult reality of daily dialysis while hoping someone will step forward to give her another chance at life.

In this conversation, Jewell shares what life is really like while waiting for a transplant, the physical and emotional challenges of kidney failure, and the hope she holds onto as she continues her search for a living donor.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the simplest act, sharing a story, can help connect someone in need with the person who can change their life.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m sharing Jewell Brown’s journey and her need for a kidney donor. After facing kidney challenges since childhood and receiving a transplant from her mom that has lasted 20 years, Jewel is now in renal failure and searching for a living donor. This segment highlights both the reality that transplants are not always permanent and the opportunity for someone to make a life-changing difference.

To learn more about becoming a living donor for Jewel, you can follow Be Jewell's Lifeline and/or contact Lara Reed with the transplant team at the University of Cincinnati Health at 513-584-8313.

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On this edition of The Mark White Show, I’m sharing the story of Rory Amos, a husband, father, and hardworking provider who continues to push forward in the face of serious health challenges.

Rory has been on peritoneal dialysis for the past three years and is currently on the transplant list for a kidney at UAB and St. Thomas in Nashville. His journey has included life-changing complications from diabetes, including the loss of a leg, yet he continues to work, provide for his family, and press on with determination.

Alongside his wife Jessica, Rory is raising five children and has opened his home and heart to a foster child they are working to adopt, showing what it means to care for others even while facing his own fight.

This is a story of resilience, family, and a real need for a kidney donor.

If you feel led to learn more about becoming a living donor or to share Rory’s story, this is an opportunity to make a difference.

Register: NKR.org/TFG957

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I’m sharing a portion of a conversation I had with my Uncle Sewell Hall, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 96. This interview was recorded in the spring of 2019.

As Uncle Sewell reflected on his childhood, he remembered a family that moved often because his father was a preacher. Though money was tight, he never spoke of hardship with bitterness. Instead, he remembered a home where they always had what they needed, were surrounded by faithful friends, and spent countless hours together in worship.

He recalled attending church meetings almost every night, watching his father quietly serve the family by washing dishes before dawn after long evenings of ministry, and growing up in a house where singing was simply a way of life. If one person started a song, it wasn’t long before the rest of the family joined in with four-part harmony echoing through the house.

He also remembered the importance of hospitality. Their home was always open, welcoming friends and visitors, reflecting values that would shape the rest of his life.

Listening to Uncle Sewell’s memories reminds us that some of life’s richest blessings aren’t measured by what we own, but by the love, faith, service, and togetherness we experience along the way.

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Some of you have asked if I would re-air my conversation with my Uncle Sewell Hall. Tonight, I’m honored to do just that.

Originally recorded in the spring of 2019 for the Athens Bible School graduating class & beyond, this conversation has taken on a much deeper meaning following Uncle Sewell’s passing.

You’ll hear him reflect on the family that shaped him, the lessons he learned through decades of preaching and missionary work, and the wisdom he wanted to pass on to the next generation. More than anything, you’ll hear the voice of a man whose life consistently pointed beyond himself.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m sharing the story of Rory Amos, a husband, a father, and a hardworking man who is in need of a kidney donor. Rory addresses one of the biggest concerns people have about donation, the cost, and explains how his insurance covers it. He also shares how even if you’re not a direct match, you can still help through paired donation programs that connect donors and recipients. This is an opportunity to make a real difference, not only for Rory, but for many others in need. To learn more or consider becoming a donor, visit nkr.org/TFG957.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Jamie Gatlin as she shares about her husband, Jeff Gatlin, and his search for a living kidney donor as he lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Jeff has known since his teenage years that he had PKD, a hereditary disease that also claimed his father’s life and affects one of his sisters. For years, he was able to live a relatively normal life, but now his kidney function has declined to about nine percent, and he is preparing to begin dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

Jamie shares that Jeff is currently listed for a kidney transplant at Vanderbilt and is also working toward being listed in Birmingham. Like so many families facing chronic illness, they’re navigating the uncertainty of waiting while hoping that someone will choose to become a living donor.

A living kidney donation has the potential to change not only Jeff’s life, but the lives of his wife, Jamie, and their 23-year-old twins.

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Jeff Gatlin has lived with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) since he was a teenager. Now, his kidney function has declined to just 9%. He’s now preparing for dialysis while hoping and praying for a living kidney donor.

Tonight, Jeff’s wife, Jamie Gatlin, shares their family’s journey with honesty, courage, and hope. You’ll hear what PKD has meant for their family, why a living donor offers the best chance for a transplant, and how one person’s decision could completely change Jeff’s future.

You may not be able to donate a kidney, but you can listen, learn, and share Jeff’s story.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have part two with Andrea Barnes, store manager of the new Food City in Athens,AL as she shares how a part-time cashier position became a career she never imagined.

Ten years ago, after moving to Chattanooga, Andrea was looking for a fresh start. A stay-at-home mom for 15 years, she applied to Food City after her daughter encouraged her to do the same. What began as a part-time cashier position soon became an opportunity to grow.

Andrea embraced every challenge that came her way, serving as a floral manager, receiver, assistant manager, and ultimately earning the role of store manager. She credits the leaders who believed in her, invested in her development, and opened doors as she proved herself ready for each new opportunity.

Her story is a reminder that where you begin doesn’t determine where you can go. With hard work, a willingness to learn, and a company that invests in its people, remarkable opportunities can become reality.

To learn more about Food City and career opportunities, visit FoodCity.com.

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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to interview Food City Athens,AL, Store Manager Andrea Barnes, and I believe you’re going to enjoy her story.

Andrea’s journey began as a part-time cashier in Chattanooga. Through years of hard work, dedication, and leadership, she worked her way up to become the store manager of the new Food City in Athens.

She’s also right at home in North Alabama. A graduate of Rogers High in Green Hill, Andrea has a daughter who teaches kindergarten in Limestone County, and she’s enjoying one of life’s greatest blessings, being a grandmother.

During our conversation, we talk about the remarkable history of Food City, from Navy veteran Jack Smith purchasing a Piggly Wiggly in Grundy, Virginia, to opening the very first Food City in 1955. We also discuss the incredible response to the Athens grand opening, support from local officials, what customers can expect, the new stores coming to Oneonta and the County Line Road area, Food City’s commitment to giving back to the communities they serve, and the incredible team members who have worked tirelessly over the past several days to prepare for and serve our community.

Most of all, this is a story about opportunity. It’s a reminder that where you begin doesn’t have to determine where you finish.

If you enjoy stories about hard work, perseverance, and people making a difference, I think you’ll enjoy this one!

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