The Mark White Show

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.

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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.

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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 [email protected] for other ways to support.

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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.

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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.

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Tonight, we’re bringing you two conversations centered on investing in the future, whether that’s through education planning or meeting practical needs within our schools and communities.

In the first segment, I’m joined by Andy Esser with Edward Jones, for a national conversation tied to 529 Day, which took place last Friday. We’ll discuss new research showing many families are concerned about rising education costs, why education remains a top financial priority for parents and grandparents, and how 529 plans can help families prepare for future educational opportunities. This interview focuses on national trends and educational information that can help families begin thinking about their long-term goals and savings strategies.

In the second segment, we’re headed to Ardmore, Alabama, for the dedication of Connie’s Cabinets at Johnson Elementary School (Athens, AL) and Cedar Hill Elementary School. Joining me are Johnson PTO Vice President and Parent Liaison Natosha Parker, Johnson Counselor Dr. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Russell, Cameron Williams, son of Connie Ridgeway, and Cedar Hill Elementary Principal Nona Adams. We’ll talk about what these cabinets mean to students and families, the spirit of service behind Connie’s legacy, and how communities come together to meet needs one person at a time.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re remembering Joe Negri, the beloved musician and actor known to generations of children as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. While many remember him as the friendly neighbor who walked through Fred Rogers’ television neighborhood, Joe’s contributions went far beyond a television role. An accomplished jazz guitarist and educator, he became an important part of one of the most influential children’s programs in television history.

In this conversation, Joe reflects on how he became part of Fred Rogers’ world, the relationships he built with the Neighborhood of Make-Believe characters, and even the playful skepticism of his immigrant father, who never quite understood how Joe could carry on conversations with puppets so naturally.

Joe Negri passed away just days before his 100th birthday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of music, kindness, creativity, and service. For countless children and families, he will always be remembered as a trusted friend who helped make the neighborhood feel a little warmer and more welcoming.

This Make A Difference Minute is dedicated to Joe Negri and the joy he brought to generations.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Marlee Phillips with the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy sharing how the Girls Inc. Eureka program is introducing young women to career paths they may have never considered before.

For many students, exposure is everything. If they've never met a woman working in construction, design, architecture, marketing, project management, or the skilled trades, those opportunities may never cross their minds. Through hands-on experiences and connections with women already working in these fields, the Eureka program helps girls see possibilities for their future.

Marlee explains that the construction industry is much broader than many people realize. Whether a student enjoys design, social media, business operations, management, or hands-on building, there are countless opportunities available. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who has already walked that path.

As Marlee says, "You can't be what you don't see."

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama, sharing how small acts of kindness have helped carry her through cancer treatments and chemotherapy.

When people hear about a cancer diagnosis, they often wonder what they can do to help. Ashley's answer is simple: the little things matter. A surprise package in the mail filled with items to help during chemotherapy. A bag prepared by friends with snacks, blankets, fuzzy socks, and comfort items. Head wraps given with love after losing her hair. Help with her child when she needed support.

None of these acts could take away the diagnosis, but each one reminded Ashley that she wasn't facing the journey alone.

Sometimes encouragement doesn't have to be grand or expensive. A thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply showing up can make a difficult day a little easier.

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Tonight, I'm joined by Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama.

What started as a back injury and time away from work quickly turned into something much more serious when doctors discovered a mass on her kidney and adrenal gland. Since then, Ashley has faced countless doctor visits, scans, testing, surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Ashley is not only fighting for her health, but also trying to care for her 10-year-old daughter while navigating the financial strain that often accompanies a medical crisis. During our conversation, she shares her journey, the challenges her family has faced, the support that has helped carry her through, and the hope that keeps her moving forward.

I hope you’ll join us as we shine a light on Ashley’s story and the realities many families face when serious illness enters their lives.

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