Empowering Those on Their Breast Cancer Journey with Conversational AI — Founder Stories Ep #76

Pitch Please

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau speaks with Ellyn Winters, co-founder of AskEllyn.ai, about her incredible journey from facing a breast cancer diagnosis to creating a groundbreaking AI companion for others going through the same experience. After undergoing treatment, Ellyn turned her personal experience into something positive by developing a platform that provides emotional and practical support for breast cancer patients. AskEllyn.ai offers real-time advice and empathy, making it easier for patients and caregivers to navigate their journey.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Accidental Foundership: How Ellyn’s personal cancer battle inspired her to build a life-changing AI companion without any technical background.

• Bridging the Emotional Support Gap: Why the emotional trauma of breast cancer goes largely unaddressed and how AskEllyn.ai provides much-needed emotional care.

• Non-Medical, Lived Experience: Ellyn explains how AskEllyn.ai gives users a sense of real companionship, blending AI technology with the nuances of her personal cancer journey.

• Scaling the Impossible: The challenges of scaling a nonprofit healthcare solution while keeping it free for users and balancing compassion with business growth.

Episode Takeaways

• Ellen's journey from cancer diagnosis to creating AskEllyn was unexpected.

• The emotional support aspect of cancer care is often overlooked.

• AskEllyn provides a unique blend of AI technology and personal experience.

• The AI companion is designed to be a safe space for users.

• Ellen emphasizes the importance of lived experience in healthcare solutions.

• The project aims to remain free for users to ensure accessibility.

• Feedback from users highlights the impact of AskEllyn on their journeys.

• Ellen's story reflects resilience and the power of community support.

• The future of AskEllyn includes potential partnerships with healthcare providers.

• Ellen encourages others to share their stories and support the initiative.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to AskEllyn and Its Creator

02:04 - The Journey of Writing a Book

05:52 - The Emotional Impact of Breast Cancer

10:02 - The Birth of AskEllyn

12:42 - The Role of AskEllyn in Patient Support

19:53 - The Unique Features of AskEllyn

23:39 - Future Aspirations for AskEllyn

25:29 - Challenges of Foundership

35:34 - Memorable Experiences and Feedback

38:29 - Looking Ahead: What's Next for AskEllyn

About Ellyn

Ellyn Winters-Robinson is an in-demand speaker, women’s health advocate, professional communicator and a globally recognized health rebel. She is the author of the best-selling book "Flat Please Hold the Shame," a girlfriend’s companion guide for those on the breast cancer journey. She is also the co-creator of AskEllyn.ai, the world’s first conversational AI companion for those on the breast cancer journey. With Dense Breasts Canada and award-winning photographer Hilary Gauld, Ellyn also co-produced I WANT YOU TO KNOW, a celebrated photo essay showing the diverse faces and stories of 31 individuals on the breast cancer journey. Ellyn’s story and AskEllyn.ai have been featured in People Magazine, Chatelaine Magazine, the Globe and Mail, CTV National News and Your Morning, and Fast Company.

About AskEllyn.ai

AskEllyn.ai is the world’s first AI companion for those on the breast cancer journey. Blending the power of OpenAI’s knowledge of the world with the lived experience of a breast cancer survivor, AskEllyn is there at 2 am in the morning, and in any language to offer support. She is non-medical, completely private, and will always be free forever to those who need her.

Want to Connect?

Visit and chat with AskEllyn at http://www.askellyn.ai

Follow Ellyn on Instagram @flatplease

Partner with us to bring AskEllyn to the world https://askellyn.ai/partner-to-keep-askellyn-free/

Connect with Ellyn directly [e-mail]