Bald by choice. Fierce by nature. Cancer survivor by triumph, not title.
At 72, Madaline McKay is not just living life. She’s living it golden.
A three-time breast cancer survivor, former office manager of a nonprofit working with parolees, and mother of two…
Madaline’s story is one of courage, faith, and self-defined beauty.
She doesn’t just thrive. She radiates.
It was 2008 when Madaline first felt the lump.
She admits fear kept her from seeking help right away.
“I waited about three months. All I could think was, I won’t be here to see my children grow up."
The diagnosis: ductal carcinoma in the right breast.
Treatment began quickly: radiation and chemo for six weeks. But through it all, Madaline stood strong. She worked. Cared for her kids. Kept house… Laughed.
And in one of the most moving moments of her journey, she decided not to tell her son, a self-described "worry wart."
Her brave choice became a national story.
In 2014, The New York Times featured Madaline in an article titled "Keeping Up Appearances for the Sake of Her Son."
She became a quiet symbol of strength, choosing joy and calm even in the storm.
Six years later, cancer returned to her right breast. But this time, it found a woman ready to rise.
"I was disappointed, but my spirit was not defeated."
She underwent a mastectomy, full reconstruction, a tummy tuck, and a lift. All in one surgery. And through it all, she kept giving.
Each radiation appointment, she brought homemade cookies and goodie bags for the staff.
"They gave me kindness. I gave them sweetness. It mattered."
That same year, The TODAY Show welcomed her with open arms for a makeover on their Love Your Selfie campaign with Hoda and Savannah. Her radiant smile and fearless attitude inspired viewers across the country.
Her third diagnosis came in 2020. This time, in the left breast.
But this chapter was different: early detection meant no surgery, just radiation. And once again, her body supported her beautifully.
No complications. No setbacks.
As of 2025? Madaline is thriving with faith, self-care, and less fear.
Long before cancer, Madaline shaved her head.
She’s been bald by choice for over 20 years, redefining beauty and sending a powerful message:
"You are not your hair. It does not define who you are."
That belief only deepened through her cancer journey.
"Before my diagnosis, I looked in the mirror and never thought I’d hear those words: 'You have breast cancer.' But now? I see a woman who took control. Who found beauty in the mirror and in the mess."
Madaline's experiences have transformed every part of her life:
She stopped eating meat, choosing a plant-based lifestyle for healing.
She exercises 3–4 times a week.
She prioritizes joy, calm, and self-care.
"This is how I live my life, like it’s golden," she says.
"Faith in yourself. In your family. In your spirit. Walk with that, and healing will follow."
She knows not everyone’s journey is the same, but she believes every woman has more power than she realizes.
"You’re still you. Full of dreams, love, and purpose. Don’t cheat yourself out of the life you can control. Do your best. Leave the rest."
Madaline McKay didn’t let fear define her story.
She wrote a new one. With resilience, compassion, and more sparkle than ever.
We are honored to call her this month’s Surthrivor.
Inspired? Us too!
Know someone who has held strong against breast cancer and thrived her way in life? We want to feature the fierce queen in our Surthrivor stories. Connect them with us at: giving@primeprometics.com.
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