The Mark White Show

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Shannon and Sherry Ball, founders of Waiting to Hear, as they share how their daughter’s hearing loss became the inspiration for a mission that is now changing the lives of children and families across the country.

When their daughter, Sarah, was slow to develop speech, they assumed she simply needed a little extra help. But one day, Shannon called her name several times with no response. It wasn’t until he closed a door and she felt the vibration that she turned around. Soon after, a hearing test confirmed the life-changing news that their daughter was deaf.

Rather than allowing that diagnosis to define their family, they turned it into a purpose.

Today, Waiting to Hear provides hearing aids to children who are deaf or hard of hearing when insurance falls short. Through Camp Hear, families also find something just as valuable, a community. While children connect with others who share similar experiences, parents receive practical training and resources, including guidance on navigating IEPs and advocating for their children in school.

Waiting to Hear is helping families realize they don’t have to face the journey alone.

To learn more or support their mission, visit WaitingToHear.org.

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!™️

On tonight’s edition of The Mark White Show!

In our first segment, I’ll be joined by Breanne Crowden and Arah Crowden Harkins at Donna & Friends as they share about 16-year-old Kade Worley and his courageous journey living with seizures. They’ll talk about the challenges Kade has faced, the road ahead, and how the support of family, friends, and the community has made a difference during this difficult time.

In our second segment, thanks to my friend, Brenda Lynn Allen, I’ll welcome Shannon and Sherry Ball, founders of Waiting to Hear. After their daughter, Sarah, suddenly lost her hearing at just two years old, they turned one family’s heartbreaking experience into a nonprofit that is changing the lives of children with hearing loss and their families. We’ll also talk about the upcoming Key West concerts benefiting their incredible mission.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Breanne Crowden as she shares about her 16-year-old son, Kade Worley, and the incredible support their family is receiving as they prepare for the next stage of his medical journey.

Breanne talks about the generosity of Donna & Friends, who organized a benefit bean dinner to help the family as Kade faces additional testing and surgery. With Breanne expecting to be away from work while caring for her son, the outpouring of support from their church family, friends, and community has been a tremendous blessing.

Kade’s journey continues with an ophthalmology appointment in Birmingham tomorrow, followed by specialized brain imaging to map the blood vessels before a stereo EEG (SEEG) procedure. During that hospital stay, doctors will monitor and induce seizures to accurately identify where they originate, helping determine the best surgical treatment moving forward.

As Kade and his family face the days ahead, they continue to lean on the support of those around them and the hope that comes with each step toward answers.

If you would like to support Breanne and Kade, you can send a Venmo donation to @BreanneCrowden.

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!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Dr. Larry Charleston IV, a board-certified neurologist and headache medicine specialist, as he discusses the challenges of treating migraine disease and cluster headaches.

Migraine disease affects an estimated 43 million Americans, while cluster headaches, though much rarer, are considered among the most painful neurological conditions. Dr. Charleston explains that one of the biggest challenges is making sure patients receive the correct diagnosis. Without it, finding an effective treatment becomes much more difficult.

He also points out that many people with migraine experience severe nausea and vomiting, making it hard for oral medications to stay down long enough to provide relief. That's why having treatment options tailored to a patient's specific needs is so important.

Dr. Charleston's goal is simple: to help people move beyond simply managing their symptoms and instead achieve the best possible quality of life.

To learn more about migraine disease, cluster headaches, and available treatment options, visit Brekiya.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!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Jamie Schanbaum, a survivor of meningococcal disease whose life changed forever while she was attending college in Texas.

Like many college students, Jamie was simply enjoying campus life when what seemed like flu-like symptoms quickly turned into a medical emergency. Within hours, she was fighting for her life. She spent seven months in the hospital, and to save her life, doctors amputated both legs below the knee and all of her fingers.

Today, Jamie has found a new purpose.

She shares her story so other families will understand just how serious meningococcal disease can be and why informed conversations matter. Jamie says that if she had known more about the disease and the steps that could be taken to help prevent it, she would have been proactive. Her hope is that no one else has to endure what she experienced.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their child’s healthcare provider about meningococcal disease and learn more about the available prevention options.

For more information, personal stories, and conversation starters, visit Ask2BSure.com.

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!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Dr. Michael Milobsky, a practicing pediatrician and founder of Pediatrics at the Meadows in Castle Rock, Colorado, as we discuss meningococcal disease and why parents should have an informed conversation with their child’s healthcare provider before the new school year begins.

Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it can become life-threatening in as little as 24 hours. Dr. Milobsky explains that one in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die, and one in five survivors may face lifelong complications, including brain damage or limb loss.

Teens and young adults, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 23, are among those at increased risk because of common activities such as sharing drinks, food, utensils, toothpaste, kissing, coughing, and living in close quarters like college dorms, military housing, or shared apartments.

Dr. Milobsky encourages parents not to wait until there’s a problem. Instead, talk with your child’s healthcare provider about meningococcal disease, understand the risks, and ask whether vaccination is appropriate for your teen or young adult.

To learn more and prepare for that conversation, visit Ask2BSure.com.

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!™️

Tonight, we’re sharing a conversation that every parent, grandparent, and caregiver should hear.

Meningococcal disease, often called meningitis, is uncommon, but when it strikes, it can change a life in a matter of hours. Joining me tonight are Dr. Michael Milobsky, practicing pediatrician, Jamie Schanbaum, a meningococcal disease survivor, and Patsy Schanbaum, Jamie’s mother. Together, they share a powerful story of survival, resilience, and why it’s so important for families to have informed conversations with their healthcare providers.

As teens prepare to head back to school and college campuses, we’ll discuss who is most at risk, how quickly this disease can progress, Jamie’s remarkable journey from surviving a life-threatening illness to becoming a gold medal cyclist and advocate, and what parents should know about meningococcal disease prevention and vaccination.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Lennon and Camryn Curtis, along with Irie Blade, as they share how a simple lemonade stand became an opportunity to help seniors in their community.

Through Cousins for a Cause, the cousins came together to raise money for Meals on Wheels. Everyone had a role, from making lemonade and creating signs to pouring drinks, greeting customers, and explaining where every dollar would go.

While they were a little nervous when the first customers arrived, that quickly turned into excitement as the very first donation was $20. Throughout the day, they were surprised not only by how many people stopped by, but by the generosity of those who gave more than the cost of a cup of lemonade.

Now, these young difference-makers hope their effort inspires other families, neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses, and community groups to pass the pitcher by creating their own lemonade stands to support causes that matter.

Sometimes making a difference begins with something as simple as a pitcher of lemonade, willing hearts, & a community that cares.

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!™️

Tonight, I’m excited to introduce you to some young difference makers who prove you’re never too young to change someone’s life.

Joining me are Lennon Curtis, Irie Blade, and Camryn Curtis as they share the story behind Cousins for a Cause, a special effort that also included Miles Curtis, Mia, Lily, and Holly. Together, these cousins hosted a lemonade stand to benefit Meals on Wheels and the seniors it serves throughout the Shoals community.

What started as a simple idea became an opportunity to teach children about compassion, generosity, and serving others. Even more inspiring, they’re hoping the effort doesn’t stop with them. Through their “Pass the Pitcher” challenge, they’re encouraging other families, neighborhoods, teams, and organizations to host their own fundraisers and continue spreading kindness.

I hope you’ll join us for this encouraging conversation about small hands, big hearts, and the difference one family can make when they decide to serve others.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Misty George with Jagger's Journey as she shares why supporting families facing rare diseases goes far beyond medical care.

When Jagger was first diagnosed, Misty and her family entered a world they knew very little about. At first, they feared leukemia. When doctors explained it was a rare disease instead, there was a brief sense of relief. That relief quickly gave way to the reality of navigating insurance denials, unanswered questions, and the uncertainty that often comes with rare diagnoses.

Misty says one of the greatest needs families face is support. Financial burdens quickly add up as parents miss work, travel for treatment, and spend weeks or months away from home. Her own family benefited from generous supporters and A-Team Ministries in Birmingham, which provided housing during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives.

Those experiences now fuel Jagger's Journey and Misty's vision for the future. She hopes to build a stronger support network so that families facing similar battles know they are not alone.

To learn more about Jagger's Journey and how you can help, visit JaggersJourney.net.

This MADM is brought to you by Green's Dependable Hardware, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️