Elvira Ruiz’s Journey: Healing Through Art with David Allen

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. Further, with the goal of empowering women to easily find artists who can support their unique journeys, David Allen has curated a list of Mastectomy Tattoo artists who have the emotional and technical skills to perform such tattoos. Explore the list here.

Elvira Ruiz, a resilient, caring, and honest mother of two, has faced more than her share of battles with cancer. Recently, Elvira was selected as the recipient of the sponsored mastectomy tattoo, a transformative step in her healing process, where art will become a powerful tool for closure and empowerment.

Elvira’s relationship with cancer started at an early age. At just 15, she faced stage 3.5 Hodgkin's lymphoma, which required surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The experience was challenging, but she endured. Years later, at 27, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which she believes might have been caused by the radiation used to treat her Hodgkin's. Though she didn’t need chemotherapy this time, she underwent surgery and ablation therapy using radioactive isotope pills.

Years passed, and at 51, Elvira was once again confronted with cancer—this time, breast cancer. Though it was caught early and classified as stage 0, Elvira decided to undergo a double mastectomy. She knew she didn’t want to live under the constant anxiety of endless doctor visits, mammograms, and potential relapses. “The steps are too much,” she reflected, choosing to take a definitive step for peace of mind. However, she wasn’t prepared for how difficult the surgery would be, both mentally and physically. The recovery took a toll on her spirit.

Throughout her battles, Elvira sought ways to reclaim her body. She found David Allen on Instagram about five years ago while researching mastectomy tattoo artists. Elvira wanted something that would diminish the scars imposed by reconstructive surgery. David’s meticulous tattoo placement and designs were the perfect solution in creating something entirely new – in a way she describes as “phenomenal.”

Elvira’s connection with David felt serendipitous. After a 15-minute conversation, she felt completely at ease with him, and he understood exactly how to deliver a meaningful tattoo that would make her proud.

Coming from a family where tattoos were discouraged, Elvira’s decision to get one was initially met with skepticism. But after her breast cancer diagnosis, she showed her mother one of David’s tattoos, who surprised her with approval. “It’s not a tattoo,” her mother said to her,  “it’s a work of art.”

The tattoo represents closure for Elvira, a way to reclaim control over her body and identity. With cancer having taken so much from her, this tattoo is a symbol of empowerment and healing, helping her regain a sense of control over her narrative.

In January, Elvira will travel to Chicago with her sister, a fellow breast cancer survivor, to finally meet David in person and receive her mastectomy tattoo. For Elvira, it’s more than a tattoo; it’s a return to herself.