Survivor Stories: Allie
At Portt, I believe every survivor’s story holds the power to connect, inspire, and remind us we’re never alone. That’s why I'm so excited to introduce Survivor Stories—a new series sharing the real journeys of people who have faced cancer with courage, vulnerability, and strength.
To begin, I’m honored to share my own story. I’m Allie, the founder of Portt, and my path to creating this community started long before the first shirt was sewn. At 31, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and what followed—surgery, chemotherapy, and learning to navigate a new reality—shaped not just my life, but the mission behind Portt. This series is close to my heart because I know firsthand how powerful it can be to hear, “me too.”
Name: Allie
Age at diagnosis: 31
Cancer type & Stage: Ovarian Cancer - Stage 1
Can you share a little bit about your cancer story—your diagnosis and what your treatment looked like?
In the fall of 2019, I started noticing some new symptoms—occasional abdominal pain and bloating—that felt worth mentioning to my primary care doctor. I didn’t expect him to be overly concerned, but during my exam he was able to feel a mass. After a few weeks of ultrasounds and a CT scan, it was determined that I had a cyst that needed to be removed.
I was referred to a gynecological oncologist, who performed the surgery and sent the mass for pathology. Unfortunately, it came back as cancer. That meant removing both ovaries and beginning chemotherapy just three weeks later
Did you have any support systems (family, friends, community) that played a big role in your journey?
I was diagnosed at the end of February 2020—right as the world was shutting down for COVID. The added uncertainty made an already overwhelming time even scarier. My husband was by my side through it all, and thankfully I was still able to bring one support person with me to each infusion.
Friends stepped in by doing our grocery shopping and leaving things on our porch, and when the weather was nice, I planned weekly outdoor visits with family (always at a distance). In some ways, the pandemic made treatment harder, but it also meant I didn’t feel like I was “missing out,” since no one was doing anything.
If chemo was part of your treatment, what were your “must-haves” for infusion days?
Comfortable clothes, good snacks, and something to keep me busy. Finding clothes that were both comfortable and port-friendly was a challenge, which inspired me to design my own shirt—and eventually led to the creation of Portt.
I always brought simple, comforting snacks—my go-to was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I tried to bring something positive to do, like reading an e-book or watching a show, though the pre-meds often made me very sleepy. Sometimes I used the time to write thank-you notes or send messages to friends and family as a way to focus on the support I was receiving.
Were there small rituals or routines that helped you feel more in control during treatment?
Do you have any tips for others just starting treatment?
How did you take care of yourself—physically, emotionally, or mentally—during treatment?
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a friend supporting someone going through a cancer diagnosis?
What was the most meaningful or helpful gift you received?
Are there any organizations, resources, or communities you’d recommend to others in treatment?
- The Breasties is great for community for survivors of breast or gynecological cancers. Camp Breasties is truly life changing!
- For folks diagnosed with breast cancer, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer and Well Beyond Breast Cancer are two incredible organizations focused on increasing the quality of life of those impacted by breast cancer.
- Lion-ess Retreats create a warm and welcoming space for breast and/or GYN cancer survivors.
- Fighting Pretty supports people experiencing all types of cancer by helping them feel strong and beautiful during treatment.
- Bloom Club is a Canadian-based organization that creates a joy-focused space for young women who have been diagnosed with cancer.
- If you're looking for a lifestyle magazine that touches on topcis relevant for cancer patients and survivors, Brighter Magazine is filled with tips and tricks from specialists in the area of oncology care as well as survivors themselves.
- For breast cancer survivors - Perky is a Texas-based company that provides medical-grade aesthetic services to help renew confidence, beauty, and quality of life in those affected by breast cancer.
- We Got This is the first nonprofit gift registry that provides recommendations and resources for cancer thrivers.
How has survivorship changed your perspective on life?
Survivorship has come with challenges I never expected. Even five years later, a new ache or pain can send me spiraling with fears of recurrence. But it has also given me perspective—I don’t sweat the small stuff the way I did before.
I’m more aware of my own mortality, but that awareness helps me live more fully in the moment. It’s a constant reminder to focus on what really matters.
Looking back, cancer changed nearly everything about my life—from how I care for my body and mind to how I see the world around me. It was painful, humbling, and at times terrifying, but it also opened up space for deeper gratitude, stronger connections, and new purpose. Portt was born out of that experience, and every product we create is a reminder that comfort, dignity, and style matter—especially when life feels hardest.
My hope in sharing my story is that it makes even one person feel less alone in theirs. If you’re in the thick of treatment, navigating survivorship, or supporting someone you love, please know there’s a community here for you. We may not get to choose the challenges life hands us, but we can choose to walk through them together—with strength, softness, and a little bit of style.