Kaitlyn Ross
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Articles by Kaitlyn Ross
Georgia man who survived devastating crash as a teenager now helps children facing medical challenges
COMMERCE, Ga. — Eric "Radio" Redmon has always had a lot to say. In fact, his friends gave him the nickname "Radio" because he talked so much. But after surviving a devastating car accident at 16 years old, Redmon found a new purpose for his voice: encouraging children and families facing some of the most difficult days of their lives. Now, more than two decades later, he's using his own experience to help families staying at Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta.
The soccer team giving Georgia kids with cerebral palsy a place to play, belong
Eight-year-old Tayden Merrell loves being a goalie. But what he loves most about his CP soccer team may be knowing he isn't alone. For him, there are plenty of things to love about soccer. “I love being goalie, sometimes defense, kicking goals,” he said. But ask him what makes his team special, and his answer has little to do with the score. This story continues below.
Parents start mental health foundation after losing their son
You are enough. That is the message Jade and Adam Ramey want every teenager to hear. The Georgia parents lost their 16-year-old son, Landon, to suicide. Now they are turning their grief into an effort to help other children and families talk more openly about mental health. For years, Landon had a birthday tradition. He didn't want presents. Instead, he asked for cat and dog food so he could donate it to animals in need. One year, his family collected more than 2,000 pounds of food in his honor.
After terminal cancer diagnosis, Georgia man heads to Ironman World Championship
GEORGIA, — Thirty months ago, doctors told James Jay Logan he had about six months to live. Now, Logan is heading to Hawaii to compete in the Ironman World Championship. Logan was 59 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. He said the cancer had spread extensively, with so many tumors that artificial intelligence used to analyze his scans could not count them all.
After terminal cancer diagnosis, Georgia man heads to Ironman World Championship
Thirty months ago, doctors told James Jay Logan he had about six months to live. Now, he is heading to Hawaii to compete in the Ironman World Championship. Logan was 59 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. He said the cancer had spread extensively, with so many tumors that artificial intelligence used to analyze his scans could not count them all. His treatment was considered palliative, focused on extending his life and managing his disease rather than curing it.
After terminal cancer diagnosis, Georgia man heads to Ironman World Championship
Thirty months ago, doctors told James Jay Logan he had about six months to live. Now, he is heading to Hawaii to compete in the Ironman World Championship. Logan was 59 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. He said the cancer had spread extensively, with so many tumors that artificial intelligence used to analyze his scans could not count them all. This story continues below.
Woman who struggled to find a job creates her own opportunity with Pumpkinful
CUMMING, Ga. — Savannah Murray struggled to find an employer who could see her creativity. Now, she's built a business around it, decorating porches for fall while creating jobs for others on the autism spectrum. For Savannah Murray, every porch is a blank canvas. She sees patterns and designs that come naturally to her, then uses pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decorations to create something unique for each customer. This story continues below.
‘Your hair is here. We just have to find it’: Georgia woman turns her own hair loss into a mission to help others
JACKSON, Ga. — “Welcome to the world of hair.” That is how Diana Cowan greets women who walk into Georgia Hair Solutions in Jackson, where hundreds of wigs in different colors, sizes, and styles line the walls. Then she tells them something else. “Your hair is here. We just have to find it.” For Cowan, those words carry a lot of weight. This story continues below. More in Community She knows what it feels like to lose your hair. After having children, Cowan said her own hair gradually became thinner.
The Hummingbird Man: Personal trainer finds peace in a backyard oasis
ATLANTA — Strength is second nature to Japeth Harrison. As a personal trainer, he spends his days helping people build muscle and push through challenges to transform themselves. But when he steps away from the weight room, Harrison finds a very different kind of strength in his own backyard. Hummingbirds. The tiny birds have become a daily part of his life, flying onto his back deck and, sometimes, landing right on his finger. Harrison says he has no idea how he developed that connection with them.
Vietnam veteran finally receives Soldier’s Medal more than 50 years after heroic rescue
More than five decades after a Vietnam War veteran was recommended for the Soldier’s Medal for his actions during a helicopter crash, Charles “Russ” Berry finally has the honor he earned. Berry formally received the medal Friday in LaGrange during a ceremony attended by his family, friends, fellow veterans, and members of the community. This story continues below. More in Heartwarming The Soldier’s Medal is the U.S. Army’s highest award for heroism outside of combat.
The Hummingbird Man: Personal trainer finds peace in a backyard oasis
ATLANTA — Strength is second nature to Japeth Harrison. As a personal trainer, he spends his days helping people build muscle and push through challenges to transform themselves. But when he steps away from the weight room, Harrison finds a very different kind of strength in his own backyard. Hummingbirds. The tiny birds have become a daily part of his life, flying onto his back deck and, sometimes, landing right on his finger. Harrison says he has no idea how he developed that connection with them.
Vietnam veteran finally receives Soldier’s Medal more than 50 years after heroic rescue
More than five decades after a Vietnam War veteran was recommended for the Soldier’s Medal for his actions during a helicopter crash, Charles “Russ” Berry finally has the honor he earned. Berry formally received the medal Friday in LaGrange during a ceremony attended by his family, friends, fellow veterans, and members of the community. The Soldier’s Medal is the U.S. Army’s highest award for heroism outside of combat.
Girl’s cancer fight inspires new federal bill aimed at accelerating childhood cancer research
Lawmakers this week introduced federal legislation that aims to use artificial intelligence and better-connected data to help researchers and doctors develop and deliver more personalized treatments for children with cancer. The Ailani Myers Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) to Cure Kids with Cancer Act was introduced Monday by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), with support from the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus co-chairs. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).
Athlete Erika Northrop is chasing finish lines while fighting for independence at home
The 19-year-old athlete is known for bringing energy, determination, and plenty of personality to every race course she enters. With flames on her wheels, stacks of bracelets on her arms, and a smile that lights up the starting line, Erika has become a familiar face in the inclusive racing community. This story continues below. More in Local sports Now, she is preparing for one of her biggest challenges yet: the Augusta 70.3 Ironman.
Girl’s cancer fight inspires new federal bill aimed at accelerating childhood cancer research
Lawmakers this week introduced federal legislation that aims to use artificial intelligence and better-connected data to help researchers and doctors develop and deliver more personalized treatments for children with cancer. The Ailani Myers Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) to Cure Kids with Cancer Act was introduced Monday by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), with support from the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus co-chairs. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).
Athlete Erika Northrop is chasing finish lines while fighting for independence at home
The 19-year-old athlete is known for bringing energy, determination, and plenty of personality to every race course she enters. With flames on her wheels, stacks of bracelets on her arms, and a smile that lights up the starting line, Erika has become a familiar face in the inclusive racing community. This story continues below. More in Local sports Now, she is preparing for one of her biggest challenges yet: the Augusta 70.3 Ironman.
Georgia man runs 48 hours to raise awareness about recovery
For Josh Ice, recovery is measured one day at a time. And sometimes, one mile at a time. Ice recently ran around a track for 48 straight hours, raising money and awareness for substance addiction recovery while sharing a message he says changed his own life: People can do hard things. “My passion is running and spreading movement as medicine in recovery,” Ice said. This story continues below. More in Community The 48-hour run was an idea to “up the ante” from a run he did the year before.
Georgia teen rings the bell after yearlong fight with lymphoma
For a year, cancer dictated much of Kyson's life. Now, the 13-year-old is ready to decide what comes next. Kyson recently rang the bell at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, marking the end of an exhausting treatment journey for Stage 2A Hodgkin's lymphoma. His plans are simple: go back to school, see his friends, ride his dirt bike, and get back to being a kid. His family is celebrating right alongside him.
Georgia teen rings the bell after yearlong fight with lymphoma
For a year, cancer dictated much of Kyson's life. Now, the 13-year-old is ready to decide what comes next. Kyson recently rang the bell at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, marking the end of an exhausting treatment journey for Stage 2A Hodgkin's lymphoma. His plans are simple: go back to school, see his friends, ride his dirt bike, and get back to being a kid. This story continues below. More in Community His family is celebrating right alongside him.
Teens launch a nonprofit to help animals
ATLANTA — Three Atlanta teenagers are trying to answer a simple question: What can young people do to help animals in their communities? Sophia Zhan, Sophie Xue and Emily Tan created the Better Tomorrow Organization with the goal of making a difference through projects that ordinary people can participate in. Their latest effort combines two things they love: animals and art. This story continues below.
Georgia dad on his way to PGA membership
A Georgia dad picked up a golf club for the first time at 37. Five years later, he is working toward a career in professional golf. William Thomas is a U.S. Navy disabled veteran, a father of four, and a Georgia PGA Associate. He is now pursuing his goal of competing professionally, with his family alongside him on and off the course. This story continues below. More in Golf Thomas first played golf on Good Friday in 2021.
Suburban dad on his way to PGA membership
A Georgia dad picked up a golf club for the first time at 37. Five years later, he is working toward a career in professional golf. William Thomas is a U.S. Navy disabled veteran, a father of four, and a Georgia PGA Associate. He is now pursuing his goal of competing professionally, with his family alongside him on and off the course. This story continues below. More in Golf Thomas first played golf on Good Friday in 2021.
Orry was told he might not see his second birthday. At 8, he’s proving how far he can go
Orry Bowling is 8 years old, and he is very busy being a kid. The Griffin boy plays baseball, builds with LEGOs, goes to the beach and the mountains, spends time with friends, and has even had a little crush. He also loves making silly faces. When Orry met 11Alive, he quickly challenged reporter Kaitlyn Ross to a competition to see who could make the silliest face. This story continues below. More in Heartwarming For his mom, Jessica Foster, those ordinary childhood moments are anything but ordinary.
K9 handler donates a vest to dog after his partner was injured
A police K9 who lost a leg after being shot in the line of duty is now helping protect other working dogs. Deputy Edward Reeves’ K9 partner, Jerry Lee, was shot while working with Reeves in 2021. Jerry Lee survived but lost a leg and was medically retired. He continues to live with Reeves. The experience inspired Reeves to create the Jerry Lee Foundation in honor of his longtime partner. This story continues below.
Orry was told he might not see his second birthday. At 8, he’s proving how far he can go
Orry Bowling is 8 years old, and he is very busy being a kid. The Griffin boy plays baseball, builds with LEGOs, goes to the beach and the mountains, spends time with friends, and has even had a little crush. He also loves making silly faces. When Orry met 11Alive, he quickly challenged reporter Kaitlyn Ross to a competition to see who could make the silliest face. For his mom, Jessica Foster, those ordinary childhood moments are anything but ordinary.
Santa with Down syndrome inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame
ATLANTA — It's not yet Labor Day, but Christmas has already arrived for one Santa Claus in Georgia. Bradley Carlisle became the first professional Santa Claus in the United States with Down syndrome, and he was just inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame after training at Atlanta's Northern Lights Santa School. "I love to wear my suit and a beard and the glasses," Carlisle said.
Santa with Down syndrome inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame
Bradley Carlisle is the first professional Santa Claus in the U.S. with Down syndrome. ATLANTA — It's not yet Labor Day, but Christmas has already arrived for one Santa Claus in Georgia. Bradley Carlisle became the first professional Santa Claus in the United States with Down syndrome, and he was just inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame after training at Atlanta's Northern Lights Santa School. "I love to wear my suit and a beard and the glasses," Carlisle said.
Santa with Down syndrome inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame
Bradley Carlisle is the first professional Santa Claus in the U.S. with Down syndrome. ATLANTA — It's not yet Labor Day, but Christmas has already arrived for one Santa Claus in Georgia. Bradley Carlisle became the first professional Santa Claus in the United States with Down syndrome, and he was just inducted into the International Santa Hall of Fame after training at Atlanta's Northern Lights Santa School. "I love to wear my suit and a beard and the glasses," Carlisle said.
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