“What I’ve learned most about myself through this journey is to listen closer to my inner voice and not care so much about the expectations of others.”

Elissa Brown

Elissa Brown, Founder & CEO of Polite Tumor, shared the story behind her with us on May 1, 2022.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 31, Elissa launched Polite Tumor in 2017 as a response to the community that emotionally and financially supported her and that was critical in her healing process.

Polite Tumor’s mission is to provide financial assistance to women under 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. When financial assistance comes with strings attached, the message is “we know what you need more than you know what you need.” Polite Tumor challenges that model. What we know is that cancer is expensive, that every woman’s needs are different, and that no one can foresee the financial obstacles that will be thrown their way. We’re giving women the opportunity to look beyond their diagnosis and their treatment, we’re providing the freedom to heal – however they define it.