Free for patients and their loved ones, AskEllyn embodies AI for Good by providing multi-lingual support, genuine empathy, and the invaluable lived experience of a breast cancer survivor.
October 26, 2023 — Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ellyn Winters-Robinson, with the support of Gambit Technologies, proudly unveils AskEllyn, a pioneering conversational AI designed to support those navigating the complexities of breast cancer. Committed to being accessible and free forever, AskEllyn aspires to touch every corner of the globe, ensuring women and families of all backgrounds and languages have a supportive companion. Embodying the essence of AI for Good, AskEllyn offers both multi-lingual support and the unique empathy of a breast cancer survivor.
Experience her support now at https://askellyn.ai.
Inspired and co-created by Ellyn Winters-Robinson, a 58-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, AskEllyn offers a unique blend of firsthand experience and advanced technology. The concept for AskEllyn emerged from a chance encounter between Ellyn and Patrick Beliveau, CEO and Co-Founder of VR Company Catalyst Entertainment Technology, at an Accelerator Centre event. Deeply moved by Ellyn’s book “Flat Please Hold the Shame,” Patrick, an investor in Gambit Technologies, envisioned an AI tool that could harness the book’s insights to fill a significant support gap for breast cancer patients. Tasked with this vision, Gambit Technologies meticulously built the underlying technology for AskEllyn, ensuring it was not only state-of-the-art but also deeply empathetic and supportive.
Conversations flow naturally, mirroring the genuine language and tone of the real Ellyn. This collaboration was born out of a shared vision to address a noticeable gap in the healthcare system and the patient experience, a gap that Ellyn personally observed throughout her diagnosis and treatment journey. This project underscores Gambit Technologies’ dedication to AI for Good emphasising that technology serves humanity in its most crucial moments.
“Those facing a diagnosis, their partners, family and friends are all struggling. A cancer diagnosis is uncharted waters for all. It’s hard to know where to turn, what to say, and what to do when a you or loved one is diagnosed. AskEllyn can be a trusted coach, confidante and a safe sounding board,” said Ellyn Winters-Robinson.
Jennie Dale, Co-founder and Executive Director of Dense Breasts Canada, remarks, “When I first used AskEllyn, I was blown away. The authenticity, the empathy — it was as if I was speaking to someone who truly understood. Reflecting on my own diagnosis nine years ago, I can’t help but wish this tool had been around then. A diagnosis is an avalanche of emotions and uncertainties, and having a source of genuine guidance like AskEllyn available to me at any time of the day would have been invaluable. Ellyn’s initiative is monumental, not just for breast cancer patients in Canada but for all those globally seeking that beacon of understanding and support.”
Ryan Burgio, CEO of Gambit Technologies, commented, “We’ve been overwhelmingly moved by the initial response from users of the tool. Our partnership with Ellyn showcases the transformative power of AI when harnessed for genuine human benefit. AskEllyn stands as a testament to our commitment to AI for Good.”
AskEllyn was conceived with a distinct vision, ensuring it resonates with its users. Key features include:
- Empathy at its core: AskEllyn will meet you where you are on the breast cancer journey. She listens, supports and empowers;
- Informed wisdom: AskEllyn is built on Ellyn’s recent lived experience with breast cancer. She has the unique knowledge of someone who has undergone a biopsy, a diagnosis, a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and associated drug therapies;
- Linguistic versatility: AskEllyn is capable of understanding and responding in a variety of languages including German, Italian, Spanish, Hindi, Persian, Mandarin and more;
- Healthcare-system friendly: AskEllyn is a member of the extended care team. She provides a layer of empathetic support that augments the clinical process, enhancing the patient experience from those early moments of initial diagnosis through to ongoing survivorship;
- Privacy and confidentiality: AskEllyn requires no registration. She collects no personal data.
Christian Silivestru, CTO of Gambit Technologies, who spearheaded the development of AskEllyn, remarked, “Creating AskEllyn was about merging technical excellence with deep empathy. Every feature, from linguistic versatility to its empathetic responses, was designed to ensure that AskEllyn transcends being just a tool — it’s a genuine companion for those on the breast cancer journey.”
AskEllyn is slated to be launched publicly at an October 26th event at Catalyst Commons in Kitchener Ontario. Organised by Gambit Technologies, this “AI For Good” event will underscore the transformative role of AI in patient support, spotlighting its impact on breast cancer patients and their families.
About Ellyn Winters-Robinson
Ellyn Winters-Robinson is a recent breast cancer survivor, co-creator of AskEllyn, and author of the bestselling book “Flat Please Hold the Shame,” a girlfriend’s companion guide for those on the breast cancer journey. She is also the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Ignition Communications, a boutique marketing communications firm, and a longtime mentor at The Accelerator Centre. Ellyn’s story has been featured in People Magazine, Globe and Mail, and CTV.
About Gambit Technologies
Gambit Technologies develops cutting-edge AI solutions to supercharge the modern enterprise. Gambit focuses on rapidly building, deploying, and optimizing tailor-made AI applications and data layers to address today’s most pressing business challenges.
For media inquiries, please contact
Ellyn Winters-Robinson
519–574–2196
ellyn@ignition.ca
SOURCE Ellyn Winters-Robinson, Gambit Technologies Inc.