Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Elvira’s Mastectomy Tattoo Story Sponsored by Co:Create

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Co:Create and tattoo artist David Allen have announced the selected participant for a custom mastectomy tattoo sponsored by Co:Create: Elvira Ruiz, a mother of two and a three-time cancer survivor. After receiving hundreds of heartfelt applications from survivors across the country, Co:Create is honored to feature Elvira as the recipient of this sponsored tattoo.

Elvira’s Battle With Breast Cancer

Elvira’s battle with cancer began at just 15 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Over the years, the cancer reappeared, first as thyroid cancer and, most recently, as breast cancer at 51. Each diagnosis took something from her, but after her double mastectomy, Elvira sought to reclaim control over her body. After years of searching for a solution to diminish the scars left by her surgeries, she connected with David Allen through Co:Create’s initiative and instantly felt understood. His thoughtful approach to mastectomy tattoos, combined with his long history of listening to women’s stories and using art to restore their identities, aligned perfectly with Elvira’s needs

Elvira's Breast mastectomy before Tattoo by David AllenBreast Cancer Awareness Month — Elvira’s mastectomy before Tattoo by David Allen for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Elvira's Breast mastectomy Tattoo in the works by David Allen Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Elvira’s Breast mastectomy Tattoo in the works by David Allen Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Elvira's Breast mastectomy Tattoo after by David AllenBreast Cancer Awareness Month — Elvira’s mastectomy Tattoo after by David Allen Breast Cancer Awareness Month

David Allen’s Choice of Mastectomy Tattoo Artists

David Allen has crafted a carefully curated selection of artists that each have the emotional and technical skills to offer mastectomy tattoos, helping survivors reclaim their bodies and narratives. Together, Co:Create and David Allen are working to elevate the stories of women like Elvira by connecting them with this thoughtfully curated list of artists, ensuring that survivors can access tattooing as part of their healing journey. With David’s deep insights into the transformative power of tattoos, this initiative seeks to empower survivors to find skilled artists who can provide personalized care. It not only spreads awareness but also creates valuable resources for women, emphasizing that their stories deserve to be heard, seen, and recognized.