Miriam Ruiz, a Murcian councilor in Archena representing the PSOE, rose to public attention in 2015 as a contestant on the third edition of MasterChef. On a day marking Breast Cancer Awareness, she chose to share a personal update about her health through social networks, joining a global conversation that highlights courage and resilience.
“I always imagined shaving my hair would be my choice. Breast cancer arrived and made that moment happen for me, not as planned but as a challenge I faced head on”, Ruiz wrote alongside a photo showing her shaved head and a T-shirt bearing the message, “Living is urgent.”
Ruiz continued, noting that after a busy period filled with summer trips, hospital visits, beaches, and festivals, she now must allocate space for breast cancer in her life and in the lives of those around her.
Despite the difficult circumstances, she sent a hopeful message: “Today I’m smiling at the camera and at life because that’s how I am. No matter what comes, I won’t stop moving forward.”
Gratitude was a common sentiment in her posts: “Thank you for so much strength and so much love.”
Following her announcement, Ruiz received thousands of messages of support from followers, family members, and public figures across the Region of Murcia.
A Blend of Cuisine, Education, and Community
Ruiz is described as a dedicated Pedagogue from Murcia who identifies as someone who loves education, has a passion for cooking, and remains sociable and restless. Her path in public life began with politics as a socialist councilor in Archena, making her the first Murcia-based contestant to join RTVE’s MasterChef in 2015.
Today she works as a Gastronomic Educator with Cooking Smiles, a project that merges her two great passions: education and cooking. The initiative aims to educate children and adults about gastronomy in engaging, hands-on ways that celebrate the joy of cooking. Ruiz also shares her recipes on a personal website, inviting others to explore flavors and techniques while highlighting the educational value of culinary arts.
Her story represents a broader narrative in which public figures blend their roles as educators, community advocates, and culinary enthusiasts. Through her experiences, Ruiz emphasizes resilience, the power of communal support, and the importance of continuing to learn and teach regardless of life’s challenges. The conversation she sparked on Breast Cancer Awareness Day serves as a reminder that health journeys touch many facets of public life and personal identity, inspiring others to speak openly and seek support when needed.
In the months and years since her announcement, the public conversation around Ruiz has highlighted the impact of visibility on health journeys, showing how public figures can influence attitudes toward disease, treatment, and self-care. Her ongoing work with Cooking Smiles demonstrates a commitment to using education and cuisine as tools for community empowerment and personal growth.