Maggie Kudirka was a member of the Joffrey Concert Group in NYC when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in June 2014. She was only 23 years old and had no risk factors for breast cancer other than being female. Results from a subsequent genetics screening showed that she did not carry the genes linked to breast cancer.

Maggie had a large, aggressive tumor that grew very quickly and spread to her bones and lymph nodes. She moved back home to be with her family and began treatment at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Fortunately, her type of breast cancer (positive for Her2, ER & PR) responds very well to the drug Herceptin. Maggie's tumor began shrinking after her first chemo treatment on 7/1/14 and continued to shrink until it was completely gone. The pathology report following her double mastectomy on 12/26/14 found no cancer in either breast or lymph nodes. She had a pathological complete response. Six days after surgery, Maggie was back in the studio working to regain my strength, stamina, and technique. Maggie hopes to return to dance in NYC again.

Once breast cancer metastasizes to another body part, it is very difficult to know if all the cancer has really left the body after treatment. Tiny, undetectable cancer cells could be lurking dormant in the body. If these cells come to life, the cancer will return. That is why metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer is considered incurable. To keep the cancer cells dormant, Maggie will remain on medications for the rest of her life or until a cure is found. The cost of these medications is enormous: $4,000 to $9,000 per dose, per drug. She receives two drugs every 3 weeks, and a 3^rd drug every 4 weeks. Maggie is hoping to join a clinical trial testing a treatment that will keep her cancer from returning.

Since the day of her diagnosis, Maggie began spreading the word about metastatic cancer by starting the "Bald Ballerina" campaign. She now travels the country speaking and teaching to help educate and inspire young dancers.

The costs of battling cancer are enormous even with health insurance which does not cover all expenses. Maggie greatly appreciates donations in any amount for her medical expenses. If you would like to help, tax deductible donations can be made at:

http://www.theyoungandbrave.com/warriors/maggie-k/#sthash.NoVcxbRI.dpuf

Bald Ballerina Website

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141 ~ The Bald Ballerina, Maggie Kudirka

Ballet Uncovered ~ Balancing Pointe Podcast