New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón, a three-time All-Star, and Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, shared a distinctive connection through their families.
Both families faced difficulties in having children but had the financial capacity to achieve their goals, leading them to join forces to assist others in similar situations. Months after the unexpected passing of Kyle at age 41, Carlos, 33, and his wife, Ashley, plan to pay tribute to his widow, Samantha Busch.
“Samantha has been an advocate for IVF for a long time, and honestly, someone showed us one of her videos,” Ashley shared with Us exclusively before the couple’s third annual Willow Gala, benefiting the Carlos Rodón Foundation. “She discussed IVF coverage with such enthusiasm, and I thought, ‘These are the foundations we should collaborate with.’”
Samantha, 40, will receive the Seeds of Hope Award at the gala for her contributions to the Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund. Both foundations aim to provide financial aid and resources for fertility care to families in need.
Carlos hails from North Carolina, the same state the Busch family resides in, while Samantha and Ashley both have roots in Indiana.
“It was a natural partnership for us,” Ashley explained. “We’ve been able to provide them with numerous grants. Samantha has always used her platform to benefit others. Her journey continued, and now she carries on Kyle’s legacy through their foundation. We’re thrilled to highlight the significant work they’ve been doing for years.”
Ashley elaborated, “Her story of perseverance in building her family is inspiring. She has two beautiful children who are her world right now and keep her motivated. The legacy of resilience through losing Kyle and maintaining his legacy is truly remarkable.”
Kyle and Samantha welcomed their son Brexton via IVF in 2015 and had their daughter Lennix through a surrogate in 2022. Ashley experienced multiple pregnancy losses before conceiving her and Carlos’ daughter Willow, 6, just as they were about to start IVF. They later welcomed sons Bo, 5, and Silo, 3.
Ashley shared that she and Carlos spent over $10,000 trying to understand their fertility issues. Despite Carlos earning a substantial income as a Major League pitcher, Ashley acknowledged that most families cannot afford such expenses.
“I recall asking Carlos, ‘How can anyone afford this?’” she remembered. “We are fortunate to be in a position where I can spend whatever it takes to have a family, but how does anyone else manage it?”
The experience was equally enlightening for Carlos, who admitted he was unaware of the challenges many face before experiencing it himself.
“I used to think having a child was straightforward,” he explained. “I remember being younger and asking a teammate if he planned to have more children, thinking it was simple. An older teammate advised me not to ask such questions because you never know what someone is going through. I didn’t realize it at 22, as a rookie.”
The Willow Gala is scheduled for Monday, August 24, in Brooklyn, New York. The Yankees have a day off, and most of Carlos’ teammates are anticipated to attend.
