NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Miss America's Madison Marsh was in North Tonawanda on Tuesday afternoon at the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier's Awards Luncheon. The event honors local women and girls who have made remarkable impacts on the community. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh said, "every moment is precious and we need to be focusing on that." Marsh is the first active-duty service member for Miss America. She explained, "It's been really cool to do something that is greater than yourself, to do something bigger than you for a country I love."
She left an inspiring message with listeners: "Live a life that is worth living. Live a life that's not going to waste a moment, that's going to work for other people. Be grateful. Be around people that you love. I think that's something my mom has taught me."
"Every time you wake up, it is another day that other people don't get to have. It's another day my mom doesn't get to have. So I should never be wasting my time ever. Every time I get to wake up and be here being positive. Being respectful. Helping other people grow. Making myself grow and being better. That's what my mom would want. That's what life is all about."
She spoke about her mother in an emotional speech. In 2018, Marsh lost her mother to pancreatic cancer. In her honor, the Whitney Marsh Foundation was created.
Marsh said creating a nonprofit was the best way to make sure her mother's legacy lived on. The foundation raises money for research and awareness. There's even 5K and 10K races to honor Whitney.
"One of things she loved to do was running. Even though whenever she was going through chemotherapy she was still getting up and running 10 miles every single day."
The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh was invited to deliver the keynote address.