The Mark White Show

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 “Starting Over for Mayo.” You can also email Steffenie at [email protected] for other ways to support.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Eric Christianson as he shares about South Bend to Spring Valley: The Davids-Sims Story, a book he co-wrote with his late wife, Joyce.

Eric shares how the friendship between the Davids and Sims families developed in 1959, during a period of racial division in America, and how their faith and belief in one another allowed them to look beyond race and focus on character.

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Tonight, we’re sharing a remarkable story that began with a radio broadcast, a letter, and a simple act of friendship.

In 1959, Roselyn Davids was listening to an NBC radio program hosted by Bob Considine when she heard David Sims, a Black father of eight living in South Bend, Indiana, say that he had never been invited into a white person’s home as a guest.

Roselyn decided to change that.

She and her husband, Marienus, invited the entire Sims family to their farm near Spring Valley, Minnesota. What followed was a friendship between two families that crossed racial lines during a turbulent period in American history and eventually gained national attention.

Tonight, I’ll be speaking with Eric Christianson, co-author of South Bend to Spring Valley: The Davids-Sims Story. The book was originally the dream of one of the Davids’ children, and Eric’s late wife, Joyce. As Joyce’s health declined, she asked Eric to help complete the project. Near the end of her life, she requested that Eric finish the book.

Tonight , we’ll talk about the Sims and Davids families, the friendship that began more than 65 years ago, and Eric’s promise to Joyce to make sure their story was told.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Teague McKay, educator at the Jesse Owens Museum in Danville, Alabama, as we look beyond the four gold medals Jesse Owens won 90 years ago in Berlin.

Teague shares a part of Owens’ story that can easily be overshadowed by his athletic accomplishments was his devotion to family. From working after school in Cleveland to worrying about how he would continue helping his family while attending Ohio State, responsibility followed Jesse throughout his journey.

It’s a reminder that Jesse Owens’ legacy is about much more than what he accomplished on the track.

For more information, visit JesseOwensMuseum.org.

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Ninety years ago, fellow Alabamian Jesse Owens stepped onto the world stage at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and won four gold medals. His performance represented more than athletic greatness. Through his courage, character and excellence, Owens challenged racial hatred and left a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world.

Tonight, I'm joined by Jesse Owens Museum Educator Teague McKay. We’ll discuss Owens’ remarkable journey from Oakville, Alabama, to Olympic history, along with the museum’s special “90 Years Later” celebration taking place this Saturday, August 29th.

The event will include members of the Jesse Owens family, a preview of newly acquired museum displays, featured collectors and Olympic-inspired competitions for children. I appreciate Jesse Owens Museum Director Nancy Pinion for making this interview possible.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Rob Langford as he shares about Take Back the Day, a free community concert in Trussville, AL, marking the 25th anniversary of September 11th while supporting local veterans.

Rob shares why this event is about more than music. It is about remembering those we lost, honoring those who served, supporting veterans who may be struggling today, and bringing a community together.

For more information about Take Back the Day, visit ElvisRob.com or contact Rob Langford at 205-249-7013.

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Tonight, I’m bringing you two important conversations centered on helping people through major life decisions and challenges.

My first guest is Tiffany Bradford of Hayden, Alabama. Tiffany has spent years caring for others as a nurse, but after battling polycystic kidney disease since 2009, she is now the one who needs help. She is preparing for dialysis, the removal of her right kidney, and the continuing search for a living kidney donor. Tonight, Tiffany will share her journey in her own words and explain how you can help, whether by considering living donation, supporting her family, or sharing her story.

In our second segment, Marine Corps veteran and Medicare industry leader Justin Brock joins me to discuss the growing number of Americans becoming eligible for Medicare. We’ll talk about the confusion surrounding coverage choices, the limitations of online tools and artificial intelligence, and the value of knowledgeable, licensed agents who can help people understand their options.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Stephanie Smith of Hayden, Alabama, as she shares about her friend Nurse Tiffany Bradford, who is searching for a living kidney donor.

Tiffany has been unable to work since April 18th, creating an additional financial strain for her family while she waits for a transplant. Stephanie shares why she wants people to rally around someone who has spent so much time helping others, and where Tiffany’s search for a donor stands today.

If you are interested in being evaluated as a living kidney donor for Tiffany, contact UAB at 888-822-7892 or Vanderbilt at 615-936-0695. To offer financial support, go to GoFundMe and search “Help Tiffany Fight Her Kidney Disease.”

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Tonight, I’m joined by Stephanie Smith of Hayden, Alabama, as she shares the story of her lifelong friend, Nurse Tiffany Bradford, who is currently in need of a kidney donor and support during this time.

I’ll also talk with Rob Langford about Take Back the Day, a free community concert being held Sept. 11th in Trussville’s Entertainment District to honor our heroes, remember the fallen and support American Legion Post 205.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Elena Terry as she shares about her grandson, Luca, who was born with a rare congenital heart defect and is currently facing complications that have him back in a children’s hospital in Oklahoma.

Elena describes Luca as the happiest little baby, always smiling despite everything his young body has already endured.

His family had no idea anything was wrong when he was born. They were preparing to take their new baby home when doctors told them Luca had failed his heart screening. Additional testing revealed serious problems with his heart, and instead of going home as planned, Luca and his parents began a 46-day stay at the children’s hospital.

Since then, his journey has included procedures, medications, and continuing uncertainty. During his latest hospitalization, Luca was scheduled for a heart catheterization when another complication developed and he became very sick.

There’s some encouraging news. Elena says Luca has finally been able to eat again, doctors are working to get him off his blood pressure medication, and if he continues progressing, the family hopes he will soon be able to go home.

Through all of it, Elena says that little boy keeps smiling.

If you would like to support Luca and his family, go to GoFundMe and search “Support Luca and His Parents.”

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