Survivor Guilt is a Thing... and it became former CIA team member Ellen’s drive to advocate for others

Self-described mom, wife, cyclist, and plant-killer, Ellen Goodwin’s fascinating journey from the CIA to cancer advocacy will inspire. 

Ellen talks with Jill about how she grapples with survivor's guilt but has found purpose in advocating for breast cancer research through Komen. She shares with the audience how much the community and support of her local breast cancer support chapter means to her. 

Ellen’s telling blends emotional depth with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Through this interview, she shows she has not lost her sharp wit.

Key Topics

Ellen’s experience advocating for herself and the importance of having a supportive medical team.

The role of her nurse navigator in her care.

Survivor’s guilt and the realization that everyone’s cancer journey is personal.

Empathy for others with more challenging journeys and her drive to advocate for others.

Ellen introduces her company, Artifcts, which helps people preserve meaningful memories through photos, videos, and stories.

Her involvement with Susan G. Komen and the rewarding experience of supporting research and providing direct financial assistance to those in need

What community and feeling connected in the cancer journey has come to mean for her.

Ellen concludes with a dark but funny pun about her journey, emphasizing the importance of humor in healing... this poignant moment highlights how humor can be a powerful tool for coping with the challenges of cancer.

Artifcts 

ELLEN GOODWIN'S ARTIFCTS
Wife, mother, friend, cyclist, book lover, plant killer, & world explorer + co-founder of Artifcts! 

Slower