In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, we are joined by the trailblazing Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America. At just 23 years old, Madison is making history as the first active-duty Air Force officer to wear the crown, but her mission goes far beyond breaking stereotypes. Madisonโs story is deeply rooted in service, advocacy, and resilience, particularly her passionate work in raising awareness for pancreatic cancer.
After losing her mother, Whitney Marsh, to pancreatic cancer, Madison turned her personal grief into a mission for change. As the founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, she has dedicated herself to educating others about this devastating disease, advocating for earlier detection, and supporting families navigating its challenges. Her advocacy work is a cornerstone of her platform as Miss America, showcasing the profound ways pageantry can intersect with purpose.
“You don’t get greatness from taking the easy path. You get it from the challenge, you get it from the days that you fail and you fall down and you suck at things.”
madison marsh
Breaking Barriers with Madison Marsh, Miss America
Today, we have a profound conversation with Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America, and an active-duty Air Force officer. Madison shares her unique journey, which intertwines her military service with her advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness, a cause deeply personal to her following the loss of her mother.
Throughout the discussion, Madison reflects on the challenges she faced at the Air Force Academy, the importance of grit and resilience, and how her experiences in pageantry have shaped her leadership skills. She emphasizes the significance of pursuing passions that align with one’s values and the impact of community service, all while breaking stereotypes associated with both the military and pageantry.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Advocating for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
- Madison shares the heartbreaking story of losing her beloved grandmother, Whitney Marsh, to pancreatic cancer. This personal tragedy ignited her passion for advocacy and led her to found the Whitney Marsh Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families affected by this devastating disease.
- We discuss the urgent need for greater attention to pancreatic cancer, which often goes undetected until its later stages, and Madisonโs commitment to using her Miss America platform to amplify this critical issue.
- Madison reflects on how turning personal loss into a mission for change has shaped her purpose and strengthened her resolve to leave a lasting impact.
Balancing Dual Roles: Military Officer and Miss America
- Madison opens up about the unprecedented challenges and rewards of balancing her dual roles as an active-duty Air Force officer and Miss America. She shares how the Air Force has supported her journey and the leadership skills that allow her to thrive in both roles.
- We explore the lessons sheโs learned from service, from protecting freedoms to leading with empathy and strength, and how these lessons inform her role as Miss America.
Pageantry as a Passion Project
- Madison talks about her path to pageantry as a way to push herself beyond her comfort zone and challenge societal norms. She explains how sheโs redefining what it means to wear the crown and how sheโs committed to showing young women that pageantry can be a platform for empowerment, advocacy, and leadership.
- She dives into the misconceptions surrounding Miss America, emphasizing the immense talent, intelligence, and resilience required to succeed in this space.
A Legacy of Service
- From her pride in serving in the Air Force to her mission to inspire the next generation of leaders, Madison shares how her love for service drives everything she does.
- She discusses how her work with pancreatic cancer awareness and her military career are connected by a common thread: the desire to make a difference and protect the freedoms that allow others to thrive.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
Madison Marshโs journey is a remarkable testament to the power of purpose, courage, and compassion. Whether sheโs advocating for pancreatic cancer awareness, serving her country, or redefining what it means to be Miss America, Madison embodies the idea that true leadership comes from a place of service and authenticity. This episode will resonate deeply with anyone who is passionate about using their platform to create change, overcome lifeโs toughest challenges, and live intentionally.
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The Whitney Marsh Foundation: A Legacy of Hope and Advocacy
During a truly inspiring conversation, Madison Marsh, an Active-Duty Air Force Officer, and Miss America shared the profound impact of her personal journey on the creation of the Whitney Marsh Foundation. Established in memory of her mother, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018, the foundation aims to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by this devastating disease.
Madison’s mother, Whitney, was a beloved family member and a passionate runner. In honoring her legacy, the foundation organizes annual 5K and 10K races, bringing communities together to promote healthy lifestyles while raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and support. These events encapsulate Whitney’s spirit and commitment to health, serving as a reminder of the importance of community in the fight against cancer.
The foundation’s mission extends beyond just fundraising. Madison emphasized the need for improved cancer care in Arkansas, which lacks the resources of larger cancer treatment centers like MD Anderson or Johns Hopkins. The Whitney Marsh Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that individuals do not have to leave their home state to receive the care they need. This includes providing financial assistance for travel to treatment centers, thereby alleviating the burden on families facing the challenges of cancer.
Madison’s advocacy work through the foundation has been deeply personal. She expressed her desire to transform her family’s loss into a positive force for others, highlighting the importance of community support and awareness in the fight against pancreatic cancer. The foundation not only aims to raise funds but also to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and the critical need for early detection.
In her role as Miss America, Madison has leveraged her platform to amplify the foundation’s mission, sharing her story and the stories of others affected by pancreatic cancer. She believes that by fostering a sense of community and support, the foundation can make a significant impact in the lives of those battling this illness.
Through the Whitney Marsh Foundation, Madison Marsh is not only honoring her mother’s memory but also paving the way for a brighter future for pancreatic cancer patients in Arkansas and beyond. Her commitment to advocacy and community service serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us all of the power of purpose and the importance of giving back.
THANKS, Madison Marsh
If you enjoyed this interview with Madison Marsh, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram:
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH MADISON MARSH
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Madison Marsh’s Pancreatic Cancer Foundation ‘Whitney’s Race: https://whitneysrace.org/
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ‘PanCAN’
- Madison Marsh’s Instagram
- From Pilot to Pageantry: Meet the 1st Active-Duty Miss America
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struckโs interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struckโs Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on 4 Inspiring Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Action
My episode with Heather Moyse on How to Create a Gold Medal Mindset
Watch my episode with Glen Phillips on the Soundtrack of a Purposeful Life
Catch my interview with Julie Fleshman on How PanCAN Is Raising the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate
Listen to my conversation with Michael Marquardt on Breakthroughs in Early Cancer Detection
Canโt miss my episode with Michelle Curran on How to Conquer Your Upside Down Dreams
About Todayโs Guest, Madison Marsh
Madison Marsh is the reigning Miss America and a dedicated advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness. At just 22 years old, she made history as the first active duty Air Force officer to hold the title. Madison’s journey began in Arkansas, where her fascination with space was ignited during a visit to space camp. This passion ultimately led her to the Air Force Academy, where she developed resilience and grit while navigating the rigorous demands of military training, all while coping with the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2018.
Madison is a military officer and the founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, established in memory of her mother. The foundation aims to raise awareness and improve care for pancreatic cancer patients in Arkansas, a state that lacks comprehensive cancer treatment facilities. Madison has amplified the foundation’s mission through her platform as Miss America, inspiring others to engage in community service and advocacy.
In addition to her advocacy work, Madison has showcased her talents through unique performances, including a monologue about her first solo flight, which has inspired young girls to pursue careers in aviation. She believes in the power of intentional choices and the importance of embracing challenges to achieve greatness. Madison’s story is a testament to the strength of purpose, the courage to challenge norms, and the resilience to overcome life’s toughest obstacles.
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