May 02, 2023

Small Steps, Big Impact: Finding Purpose through Adversity with Ashley Closson and Madelyn Klein

44 minutes

On today’s episode we are joined by two very special guests, Ashley Closson, who was one of our very first guests on the podcast (Addicts and Assholes with Ashley: listen here). Ashley gives us a life update and shares how one small step forward led her to where she is today. Joining Ashley is Madelyn Klein, a new guest who will be sharing her personal story and how her and Ashley’s paths crossed with their involvement in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Together, Ashley and Madelyn will give us insight into their journeys, LLS, and the VOY campaign. Ashley's mission to raise $50,000 by June 2nd in honor of her Dad is truly inspiring, and we'll discuss how we can all help support the cause.

Link to Donate: https://pages.lls.org/voy/uny/alblls23/aclosson

More about Ashley:
Ashley Closson, one of the first guests on the BBB podcast, is back to give us an update on life two years later and dive deeper into her cancer and philanthropic journey. Born and raised in upstate New York, Ashley Closson has a unique story, to say the least. She is happy to share her wins and failures on divorce, being a two-time cancer survivor, navigating changing your career when it isn’t bringing you joy, and lastly, taking control of finding your happy ending no matter the cost. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology for Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising. Her passion for helping others after her health battles has guided her to an account executive position for a local not-for-profit health insurance company. She uses her passion for helping others to motivate her to succeed in her career. She also spends her time giving back to the community by serving on the vestry (board) for her church, on an Emerging Leaders committee with a local chamber of commerce, as a member of the leadership team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Visionary of the Year campaign, and as a LLS first connection volunteer. When she isn't working or serving her community, you can find Ashley spending time with her close-knit family and her son, Bennett.

More about Madelyn:
Madelyn Klein was born and raised in Upstate New York and oversees the Visionaries of the Year campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Albany, NY. Madelyn's professional background is deeply rooted in sales, marketing, social media, and fundraising. Madelyn has a passion for giving back to her community by volunteering and hosting fundraising events for local organizations such as animal shelters and other non-profit organizations. She got involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a volunteer back in 2018 when her father was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. She then left the sales world to work full time at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last year to spearhead the highest impact fundraising campaign in the Capital Region to help further raise awareness and funds for the organization that helped save her father's life. When Madelyn isn't working, she enjoys Pilates, going on walks with her dogs, and spending time with her loved ones.

Connect with Ashley and Madelyn!

Madelyn: @TitosMomager
Ashley: @Ash_Closs

Connect with Brianna!