Meet Bianca Maderal

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bianca Maderal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bianca below.

Bianca, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My journey to discovering my purpose began in 2016 when my life took an unexpected turn. I faced the unimaginable challenge of battling stage three brain cancer, an experience that forever changed me. While enduring the hardships of cancer treatment, I was determined to prove that the impossible could be achieved.
Despite the underfunded treatments and the limited awareness surrounding childhood cancer, I founded Fight Like a Kid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer during my treatment. My diagnosis of eight brain tumors fueled my determination to become a constant source of inspiration and support these brave young fighters.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m honored to share my story and the mission behind Fight Like a Kid. A story where my life was profoundly changed, and I discovered my deep passion for helping others facing similar challenges. Fight Like a Kid is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Through Fight Like a Kid, I provide care packages, fund pediatric cancer research, offer all forms of support to families navigating through their child’s diagnoses, and host numerous events/drives at hospitals nationwide.
One of the most special aspects of my work through Fight like a Kid is collaborating with schools and small businesses to raise awareness. These initiatives allow students and the community to show our young superheroes that they are not alone, bringing smiles and hope to their faces. Two particularly exciting milestones were when Congresswoman Donna Shalala proclaimed November 7th as Bianca Maderal Day in 2019. This recognition was a testament to the impact of my work and the importance of my cause. I continue to grow and expand my efforts, constantly seeking new ways to support and uplift children with cancer. Secondly, graduating from Florida International University in 2019, as a World’s Ahead Graduate and being recognized for my perseverance, intelligence, and personal strength, celebrating my ability to rise above adversity.
Fight Like a Kid has several upcoming events and initiatives that I’m thrilled about. The foundation’s annual childhood cancer awareness month drive is approaching in September, and Fight Like a Kid will be partnering with local schools and businesses to create chemo baskets for children undergoing treatment. Additionally, I’m planning to enhance recruitment aimed to fund pediatric cancer research, ensuring that every child has access to the most advanced treatments, and the brightest hope for a cure.
What makes Fight Like a Kid special is the unwavering commitment to these brave children. My personal experience with cancer fuels my determination to ensure that no child fights alone. I believe in the power of community, compassion, and relentless support to inspire hope and make a tangible difference.
For anyone interested in supporting my mission or learning more about my story, I welcome you to join my efforts. Together, we can spread awareness, raise vital funds, and show these young warriors that their fight is our fight too. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Fight Like a Kid and for supporting my cause.

Website: www.fightinglikeakid.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Fight Like a Kid
Instagram: @fight_like_akid

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, compassion, and leadership. Resilience was crucial as I fought for my life. While continuing my education and founding Fight Like a Kid, my unwavering determination helped me push through the toughest times. For those in my shoes, I recommend embracing challenges head-on and viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow stronger.
Secondly, compassion fueled my dedication to helping other children with cancer. Understanding the pain and fear that follows with a diagnosis with the “C” word, allowed me to connect with children and their families on a deeper level. Lastly, leadership enabled me to create and grow a nonprofit organization, Fight Like a Kid, that makes a real difference not only inspiring others, but effectively organizing and executing initiatives to bring awareness.
For those in this life battle, my advice to you is to continue pushing through the challenges. Remember that your strength and determination can overcome the toughest challenges. Never lose hope and keep fighting. You are stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and braver than you believe. Focus on your dreams, and know that you are not alone- together we can move mountains. For the outsiders, my advice to you is to enjoy life today, because yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is never promised.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Throughout my journey, my family has been my greatest source of strength and support. Their unwavering love and encouragement played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the immense challenges I faced while battling brain cancer and founding Fight Like a Kid.
My parents, the real superheroes in my journey, are an instrumental piece and light that taught me the value of resilience by showing me how to face adversity with courage and determination. Their constant support and belief in my abilities instilled my confidence to pursue my education and work tirelessly for a Fight Like a Kid. I can’t wait for the day that I could give them the world and try to make up for everything they’ve given me.
Support from my extended family and close friends provided me a strong network that I could rely on. Their encouragement and willingness to help me is invaluable. The unwavering support, love, and encouragement fuels my determination to be the voice for pediatric cancer, and I am forever grateful for their presence and belief in my mission.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some

Confidence
Being Effective Even When No One Else is Like You

Inevitably you will find yourself in a room where no one else is like you.

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and