Singer Masiel Málaga stated on Magaly Medina’s podcast that she would permanently quit music if it guaranteed a cure for her 17-year-old son, Flavio, who was diagnosed with epilepsy. Málaga currently uses her musical career to fund the adolescent’s expensive medical treatments, despite admitting she has “lost her own life” due to the grueling work schedule required to sustain these costs.
How is epilepsy affecting Masiel Málaga’s career and family?
The diagnosis of Flavio’s epilepsy a year ago forced Málaga to completely restructure her professional goals. According to the artist, her absolute priority is preventing her son from suffering another crisis. This shift has led to a drastic increase in her working hours to cover medical expenses that she described as “not at all cheap.”
The physical toll of this schedule has become a point of concern for her children. Málaga recounted that her son recently pleaded with her to sleep, noting that she often arrives home in the morning, sleeps for only three hours, and immediately resumes her duties as a mother. She balances these limited hours between playing with her children and managing their household needs.
Why would Masiel Málaga leave the music industry?
Málaga told Magaly Medina that while music and fame are “moments,” her son’s health is a permanent necessity. She explicitly stated, “If the world asks me: ‘I’ll give you a cure provided that you leave music,’ I’ll leave it.”

Currently, the singer views her profession as a financial tool rather than just an artistic pursuit. Because the music industry provides the “backing” necessary to sustain Flavio’s treatment, she continues to work despite the exhaustion. This creates a paradox where the career she is willing to sacrifice is the only thing currently making the medical care possible.
What are the risks of caregiver burnout in high-pressure careers?
The intersection of a public-facing career and chronic illness management often leads to severe sleep deprivation. Magaly Medina highlighted this risk during the interview, arguing that health must be the “priority number one” because a caregiver cannot work or provide care if they collapse.
Medina’s advice to Málaga centered on “breaking the day” into manageable segments. This approach is intended to prevent the cognitive and physical decline associated with the type of schedule Málaga described, where sleep is sacrificed for both professional labor and maternal duties.
Comparison of Priorities: Artistic Fame vs. Family Health
| Category | Previous Focus | Current Focus (Post-Diagnosis) |
|---|---|---|
| Career Goal | Musical growth and fame | Funding medical treatment |
| Time Allocation | Standard professional schedule | Maximum work hours / Minimal sleep |
| Ultimate Priority | Artistic success | Flavio’s recovery/stability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Flavio and what is his condition?
Flavio is the 17-year-old son of singer Masiel Málaga. He has been diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that requires expensive ongoing medical treatment.

Would Masiel Málaga actually quit music?
Yes, she stated during her interview with Magaly Medina that she would leave her career definitively if a cure for her son were offered in exchange.
How is Masiel Málaga managing the medical costs?
She is working more hours than ever before, using the income from her music career to fund the treatment.
What do you think about the balance between career and family health? Have you ever had to make a similar sacrifice? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on these stories.
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