In today’s episode, we meet Ellyn, a crazy dame with a kind heart who has decided to turn breast cancer into a full time business. Ellyn is a wife, mother, marketing entrepreneur, mentor, advocate and, as of a year ago, a breast cancer survivor.

She is also the author of the bestselling book Flat Please Hold the Shame and co-creator of AskEllyn, the world's first conversational AI designed to support people with breast cancer.

Ellyn’s story has been featured in People Magazine, Globe and Mail, CTV and the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

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In this episode, we discuss:

1:59  - Ellyn’s Story
Learn about Ellyn’s breast cancer journey from diagnosis, through choosing a double mastectomy, going through both chemotherapy and radiation and deciding to remain flat.

7:03 - Flat Please and Hold the Shame
Ellyn shares the inspiration behind her book. She began journaling as a way to make sense of her own experiences, ultimately writing an article in the Globe and Mail that delved into the stigma surrounding mastectomies. Her article struck a chord with readers, leading Ellyn to write a book. Her goal was to not only share her personal story but also to help others by sharing resources she had discovered along the way; information she wished she had throughout her breast cancer journey.

12:01 - Remaining Flat
Ellyn opens up about the considerations that led to her decision to remain flat following her double mastectomy and sheds light on the fact that the choice to remain flat is not always presented as a viable option for women with breast cancer.

22:20 - The Importance of Self Advocacy   
Ellyn offers valuable guidance on how to be a strong advocate for yourself. This includes understanding your rights regarding essential screenings and being informed about the density of your breast tissue.

27:36 - Ask Ellyn
Introducing AskEllyn, a groundbreaking conversational AI tool designed to be a resource for individuals on their breast cancer journey. She’s a web application that incorporates lived experiences and provides links and resources to further answer your questions. She aims to bridge the patient experience gap that currently exists in healthcare.

39:16 - The Photo Essay
Collaborating with photographer Hilary Gauld and Dense Breast Canada, Ellyn helped create "I Want You To Know", an inspiring photo essay that unveils the stories of survivors spanning across various ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

43:06 - One Thing
Find out what Ellyn wants everyone to know about breast cancer.

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