Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Maderal.
Hi Bianca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began as a patient before it ever became my purpose. I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of brain cancer, facing eight tumors and given six months to live. Those years were filled with uncertainty, fear, and resilience I never knew I had to find within myself. Fighting through my own cancer journey, I saw firsthand how heavy those moments can feel, not just for the child, but for the entire family. In the middle of my fight, it was the unexpected moments of support and the reminder that no child or family is ever fighting alone that made the greatest impact on me and continues to shape the heart behind Fight Like a Kid.
Fight Like a Kid was founded upon the foundation of lived experience, empathy, and a deep purpose to give back in a way that truly matters. What started as a simple idea creating chemo baskets to bring comfort, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy to kids in treatment, quickly grew into something so much bigger. It became a community, a mission, and a way to remind families that even in the hardest moments, there is still light, support, and hope surrounding them.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many incredible children and families, walking alongside them through some of the most raw, uncertain, and heartbreaking moments of their lives, while also witnessing their strength, resilience, and hope in ways that have forever changed me.
Now, as we approach our 10-year anniversary, it feels incredibly full circle. What started from one story has touched so many others. For me, it’s a reminder that even the most difficult chapters of our lives can become the foundation for something powerful, purposeful, and deeply meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
My journey began with an extremely rare diagnosis of brain cancer, eight-star shaped tumors, and given 6 months to live, while fighting through toxic treatment, uncertainty, and everything that comes with a life altering illness at a young age. There were long periods of physical and emotional exhaustion, fear, and not knowing what the outcome would be, and moments where I had to keep going without really knowing how I was going to.
Even after years of treatment, the experience did not just end there. I continue to carry both emotional and physical challenges and learning how to navigate life after something like that became its own journey. In many ways, I am still healing while also trying to understand what my “new normal” looks like. But even in the hardest parts, those experiences shaped everything. They deepened my purpose, strengthened my resilience, and continually reminds me why this mission matters so much.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Through the lens of my work with Fight Like a Kid, which is deeply rooted in my personal journey as a childhood cancer survivor. My professional life today is centered around creating a meaningful impact for children and families navigating pediatric cancer and as a speech-language pathologist, I specialize in helping children find their voice. I work closely with children across a variety of needs, focusing on creating meaningful and functional progress in a way that is engaging, supportive, and individualized. What I’m known for is leading with patience, empathy, and meeting each child exactly where they are, while celebrating every form of communication as powerful and valid.
What I’m known for is leading with lived experience and heart. Having gone through an extremely rare brain cancer diagnosis myself, I understand the emotional weight of treatment in a deeply personal way. That perspective shapes everything I do. It is not just about providing resources, but about meeting families where they are emotionally and making sure they feel truly supported in those moments.
What I’m most proud of is being able to support children in two deeply meaningful ways. Helping them find their voice as a speech language pathologist and the community that has been built over the last 10 years with Fight Like a Kid. Both roles are rooted in the same purpose: empowering children and honoring their strength.
What sets me apart is that my work is not only professional, but deeply personal. I’ve been on the other side of the diagnosis, the treatment rooms, the uncertainty. Because of that, every effort is rooted in integrity, empathy, and a deep understanding of what families are truly going through. I carry an understanding that cannot be taught. It fuels both my clinical practice and my nonprofit work with a strong sense of purpose in every child and family I serve.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow both my work as a speech-language pathologist and the mission of Fight Like a Kid in a way that deepens impact while staying deeply personal and intentional.
With my clinical work, I’m looking forward to continuing to expand my experience supporting children with diverse communication needs, while refining how I help each child find confidence in their voice, no matter what form that takes. I want to keep growing as a clinician who not only supports communication goals, but also helps children feel understood, empowered, and celebrated in their individuality.
With Fight Like a Kid, my vision is to continue expanding the reach of the nonprofit so more children and families can feel supported during treatment. As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I’m especially focused on strengthening our programs, building long-term community partnerships, and finding new ways to bring comfort and hope into hospitals and treatment spaces.
More than anything, I look forward to continuing to build both of these parts of my life with purpose, staying grounded in why I started, honoring my story, and always keeping children and families at the center of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fightinglikeakid.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fight_like_akid/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fightinglikeakid
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fightlikeakid957
