Live Inspired: with Maggie Kudirka

Maggie Kudirka
@baldballerina

Tell us about yourself and what you're passionate about.

I am a ballet dancer and teacher as well as a Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) patient and advocate. I was a 23 year-old dancer with the Joffrey Concert Group in NYC when I was diagnosed with MBC in 2014.  Because there is no cure for MBC, I will be in treatment for the rest of my life. I have had over 100 cancer treatments over the past 6.5 years. I am passionate about living, cooking, giving back, my dogs, and just enjoying life. ⁠

What's your mantra? 

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain” This is a quote from Dolly Parton that I heard when I was a teen and it has carried me through my life.⁠

Favorite book (current or all time)? 

I love the Harry Potter series. When I need a laugh, I go back to my favorite childhood book series: Junie B Jones. ⁠ 

How do you live inspired? 

I make sure I keep what I love in life and not to lose myself. I remind myself that I have the ultimate control over my life. I try to laugh every day and to remind myself that to have happy times, I have to have hard times. Find joy in little things – squirrels playing; flowers blooming; puppy kisses.  Be grateful for the blessings you have. ⁠

What is one tip or advice you would give our community to help them live an inspired life? 

You don’t know how strong you are until you are faced with a hardship. Don’t let a hardship or diagnosis make you give up on living. Medical statistics show most patients only live 2-3 years after a Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnosis. I am incredibly grateful to have lived over 6.5 years.  I could not have done it without a great medical team and the support of my family, friends, and the online community that has supported me as the Bald Ballerina.