Nelly Brown has been a dedicated tattoo artist for many years, touching countless lives with her art, empathy and compassion. As the owner of Rise Above Tattoo, she created a space where people could come as they are, find healing, and leave feeling stronger.

Nelly’s journey to opening her own studio was not an easy one. During her first battle with stage 3 anal cancer, she faced additional personal crises that ultimately inspired her to build something meaningful for herself and her community. Through resilience and vision, she turned adversity into a safe haven for others, making Rise Above Tattoo much more than just a business. It became a space where people heal. This space became her family.

Nelly is the sole provider for her home, and her business is her only source of income. After overcoming her first cancer diagnosis with courage and determination just over a year ago, she recently received the devastating news that her cancer has returned and spread to distant lymph nodes. She now faces metastatic stage four cancer.

Nelly is preparing now for an aggressive treatment plan involving advanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Her incredible cancer team at Rocky Mountain Oncology have anitcipated a year of treatments including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

The road ahead will be tough, and while she is committed to continuing her work at the studio as much as possible, there will be times when treatment must come first. This will greatly affect her ability to even provide for her basic shelter and personal needs.

This is where we can come together to make a difference for Nelly. The funds raised will help Nelly cover the mounting medical expenses, support her during the months of treatment and recovery, and keep the doors of Rise Above Tattoo open for herself and everyone who finds comfort there.

If Nelly’s art, her studio, or her often late-night smile has ever meant something to you, please consider making a donation, sharing her story, or sending prayers and words of encouragement. Your support will help our dear friend and loved one focus on healing, support her household, and remind her that she is not alone in this fight.

Thank you for being part of her journey!