Breaking Barriers for Women, Patents, and Healthcare Disparities: Lisa Crites
In this episode of 50% with Marcylle Combs, I sit down with Lisa Crites, a breast cancer survivor whose personal journey became the spark for an invention that has helped women all over the world. After her own surgery and recovery, Lisa saw a need that most people would have never noticed — because sometimes the most meaningful solutions are born in the middle of our hardest seasons. Out of that need, she created The Shower Shirt, a water-resistant post-surgical garment designed to help breast cancer patients shower safely and with dignity after surgery. Lisa’s story is one of grit, faith, creativity, and purpose. She reminds us that survivorship is not just about getting through the diagnosis — it is about what we do with the wisdom, compassion, and courage we gain on the other side. In our conversation, Lisa shares what it was like to face breast cancer, how she turned a deeply personal challenge into a practical solution for other women, and why advocacy matters so much for patients who are trying to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode is for every woman who has walked through something hard and wondered if anything good could possibly come from it. Lisa’s answer is a beautiful reminder: yes, it can.
In this episode, we talk about:
Lisa’s breast cancer journey and recovery experience
The moment she realized women needed a better post-surgical showering solution
How The Shower Shirt was created
The emotional side of healing after breast cancer surgery
Why dignity matters in recovery
Turning pain into purpose
Encouragement for women facing breast cancer today
Resources
Beautifully Unbroken: A Life-Changing Invention
Shower Shirt - Patent and Product Info
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Patient Innovation Award - University of Portugal
AI in Journalism - Cross-Referencing Tips