Madalina Tanase thought surfing in Hawaii would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—until a rogue wave took her under, reminding her that control is often an illusion. Years later, on the cusp of fulfilling her dream of motherhood, another unexpected wave crashed into her life: a breast cancer diagnosis that would change everything.

In this deeply personal and poignant episode of Untold Stories, Madalina shares her journey as an immigrant navigating academia, battling illness, and redefining resilience. With unwavering humor and vulnerability, she reflects on friendships that fortified her, losses that reshaped her, and the courage it takes to rebuild after life’s hardest knocks.

As she stands before us today—healthy, accomplished, and an American citizen—she leaves us with a powerful question: What will you do when the waves of life pull you under?

Madalina Tanase thought surfing in Hawaii would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience&mdash;until a rogue wave took her under, reminding her that control is often an illusion. Years later, on the cusp of fulfilling her dream of motherhood, another unexpected wave crashed into her life: a breast cancer diagnosis that would change everything.
In this deeply personal and poignant episode of Untold Stories, Madalina shares her journey as an immigrant navigating academia, battling illness, and redefining resilience. With unwavering humor and vulnerability, she reflects on friendships that fortified her, losses that reshaped her, and the courage it takes to rebuild after life&rsquo;s hardest knocks.
As she stands before us today&mdash;healthy, accomplished, and an American citizen&mdash;she leaves us with a powerful question: What will you do when the waves of life pull you under?

Untold Stories is a captivating live oral storytelling series that offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. From artists and tradespeople to shopkeepers and professors, everyone has a story to tell, and Untold Stories provides a space for these narratives to be heard. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of life in Northeast Florida, one story at a time. Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Barbara Colaciello is the artistic director. The 2022-2023 season of Untold Stories at the Florida Theatre is made possible in part through the generous support of the Wolfburg family.