Brenda Ladun

Birmingham

News Anchor at WBMA-TV (Birmingham, AL)

News Anchor for ABC 3340, Author and speaker. Mom of three precious sons! So proud of the men they have become!

Featured in: Favicon

abc3340.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

weartv.com

Articles

Alabama Champions: FIDOS Facility Dogs provide comfort

2 weeks ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

HOOVER, Ala. — A non-profit organization, Fido Facility Dogs Inc, is making a significant impact in Alabama by training dogs to provide comfort and support to individuals with special needs or illnesses. Founded by Kelly Schaeffer, Judith Thomason, and Tracy Anderson, the organization connects trained therapy dogs with professionals in education, healthcare, and other non-profits. Kelly Schaeffer, one of the founders, explained the unique role of these therapy dogs.
Alabama Champion: Teen volunteer finds passion at Birmingham Zoo

3 weeks ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBMA) — A love for animals and volunteering has led 17-year-old Mary Stephens to the Birmingham Zoo, where she has embraced her mission to care for animals and educate visitors about the wonders of the zoo. "It's just a wonderful place to be," said Stephens. "The staff is incredible, it's like this one big family every time I come. The animals themselves are incredible as well.
Alabama Champions: Hoover residents turn plastic bags into mats for homeless

1 month ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

HOOVER, Ala. — Residents at Galleria Woods in Hoover have found an innovative way to help the homeless by transforming discarded plastic bags into mats. This initiative, led by Judy Miller and her husband, has earned the volunteers the title of this week's Alabama Champions. Ruby Ingram, a volunteer, shared how the project began. "I had a new neighbor moved in across the hall from me and she, Judy, and her husband moved in from Tenn," said Ingram.
Alabama Champions: 'Kits 4 Kids'

1 month ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Birmingham firefighters have joined forces to provide comfort to children in traumatic situations through the "Kits 4 Kids" initiative. The program, created by Kevin Gatlin and James Fisher-Davis, aims to offer solace to young ones during emergencies by providing bags filled with games and comfort items. Kevin Gatlin, co-partner of First Responder Kits 4 Kids, explained, "I created a product called play time disposables...
Alabama Champion: Birmingham Zoo volunteer finds joy in giving back

2 months ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Retired volunteer Gretchen Sexton has found her happy place at the Birmingham Zoo, where she dedicates her time to helping educate Zoo visitors. Sexton, who has been recognized as our Alabama Champion, said her work at the zoo is fulfilling and encourages others to get involved. Sexton tells the story of the animals to visitors. She says being retired, she loves educating people about the animals. She specifically tells people about the elephants and the Alabama Barn animals.
Alabama Champions: Birmingham's Ronald McDonald House

2 months ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham is providing a crucial lifeline for families with children undergoing long-term care at Children's of Alabama. Leah Gann, a nurse practitioner from Jasper, shared her family's experience after her daughter, Gracie, was admitted to the hospital on December 23 for status epilepticus. "My daughter Gracie was admitted to Children's Hospital for a seizure that lasted over an hour," Gann said.
Grace House Ministries continues legacy of transforming lives in Fairfield

2 months ago | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

FAIRFIELD, Ala. — Grace House Ministries, a beacon of hope for girls in the foster system, has been changing lives in Fairfield for over 30 years. Founded in 1992 by the late Momma Lois Coleman, the organization continues to thrive under the leadership of Executive Director Pamela Phipps. "Grace House was started in 1992 by our founder Momma Lois Coleman," said Phipps.
Alabama Champion: Paws and Claws

Jan 17, 2025 | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

Two dedicated women are on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned animals in Alabama, providing them with a chance for a better life. Karyl Alderman of Precious Paws and Claws of Alabama and Sharon Boone of Rebecca's Paws and Claws have joined forces to address the plight of stray cats and dogs across the state. "My friend here, we call her Hoppy—technically her name is Holly—came in just about three days ago with an old injury that looks like she was hit by a car," Alderman said.
Alabama Champion: Lucie Walters

Nov 22, 2024 | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

Lucie Walters was in the right place at the right time a few months ago to save a life. She was having dinner at a downtown Birmingham hotel, when shots outside the restaurant rang out. She rushed outside and say a gunshot victim bleeding. Her training kicked in and because of her quick response to put pressure on the blood flow, that victim survived after being transported to a local hospital for treatment. She has been a respiratory therapist since she was seventeen.
Alabama Champion: Redbird Willow Farm

Nov 1, 2024 | abc3340.com | Brenda Ladun

Redbird Willow Farm in Saks Alabama is a very special place. Michele and Ray Hornsby lost their 26 year old son in 2017 to suicide on their property. The Hornsby's volunteered to help raise money to help fight suicide in many ways. But when they returned home the grief was hard to deal with. Ray Hornsby put up a cross and a bench in their son's memory. Then with plenty of acreage, they decided to add seven goats.The goats somehow provided comfort as Michele says while she was caring them.