"As the first male to attend and have the tattoo done, it was a wonderful experience. When I found out I had breast cancer I was shocked, but just moved on. When I was being prepped for surgery, I was asked if I wanted the nipple or any other reconstruction. Being a guy I said no, big mistake. The scar across my pec was awful, for the longest time I wouldn’t take my shirt off around other people. My daughter in law recommended this to me so I said what the heck and applied. Surprisingly I was accepted. If there is a guy out there that sees this and has an ugly scar across your chest I highly recommend this, it will honestly make you feel better in many ways."

"The experience of getting my mastectomy cover-up tattoo is one I won't forget. It was a whirlwind day filled with emotions. I got to meet a handful of lovely fellow survivors and amazing tattoo artists. Having been interviewed and photographed throughout made it such a raw, empowering moment in my life. And now everytime I see myself in the mirror, I see beauty and art, kindness, and hope. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity. I cannot say enough good things about the work Karen does."

"A very close colleague at work told me he felt like a shift in me since I finally have my tattoo like I can move on now. I'm really happy about my tattoo."

"You changed my life as a breast cancer survivor."

"Thank you hardly seems enough to convey the depth of my appreciation for the incredible gift Empowerink has given me. The artist has transformed what were once reminders of pain and disease into symbols of beauty, strength, and resilience. You’ve helped me reclaim a part of myself. With this tattoo you’ve not only adorned my body, but also uplifted my spirit, reminding me that scars do not define me, they are part of my journey, and now they carry a new story of courage and healing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Karen."

"When it was finally time to end the day, there were tears, hugs and promises to keep in touch (which we do 😊). I will be forever grateful to not only Empower Ink Canada, but to the amazing woman who organizes it all, Karen Malkin-Lazarovitz, and to Shane Blanchard (my artist) who donated his time and talent to turn my ugly into beauty."

"EMPOWERink afforded me the opportunity to take back control by adorning my body with beautiful tattoos instead of medically necessary scars. Not only am I grateful for the gift of art, but the emotional and energetic healing that took place the day of the event. To be in community with others who share similar traumatic experiences. Insecurity and fear was no where to be found that day. It was full of joy, celebration, and a communal sigh. I'm forever grateful."

"I am forever grateful for Karen and EMPOWERink. Being chosen to be a mastectomy tattoo meant the world to me. Karen went above and beyond to make this experience truly empowering. She personally matches the recipient to amazingly talented artists that are compassionate and empathetic. Her energy and thoughtfulness really helped me to move from accepting my new body to embracing it and loving it. Thank you so much Karen and EMPOWERink. You are an absolute one in a million! Much Love to you!"

"EMPOWERink gave me a beautiful conclusion to my cancer journey. This incredible organization gave me the opportunity to back control and change what I saw in the mirror. Instead of scars, I now look at beautiful tattoos that represent hope. The day I received my tattoos was a special day of love and celebration. I will be forever grateful for the amazing women I was able to meet through EMPOWERink."

"I still (2 years later) look back on my day with you and smile at the love and fun that was shared. Every day I look at my body in the mirror and smile now. It used to be tears. There are times, moments that I want to rip my shirt off and say “look at me!!!” Whereas in the past I dreaded even myself seeing what cancer took from me! Once again, thank you for what you do."