Passing of Two Ovarian Cancer Ambassadors

Ovarian Cancer Australia Calls for Urgent Action Following the Passing of Two Ovarian Cancer Ambassadors within Days of Each Other

Ovarian Cancer Australia is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of two of Australia’s most prolific ovarian cancer ambassadors – ABC Newcastle Broadcaster Jill Emberson and Queensland Young Australian of the Year Finalist Kristen Larsen.   

Jill and Kristen passed away this week within days of each other, only 10 months after standing together at Parliament House calling for urgent funding.  

Both Jill and Kristen were instrumental in securing $20 million funding for ovarian cancer research and a further $15 million for clinical trials into gynaecological cancers this year. Although it is the largest injection of government funding the sector has ever seen, the passing of Jill and Kristen within days of each other shows that more funding is desperately needed to improve ovarian cancer’s five-year survival rate which languishes at just 46 per cent.  

Acting CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia Josy Shaw offered her deepest condolences to Jill and Kristen’s family and friends.  

“Ovarian Cancer Australia and the ovarian cancer community are deeply saddened by the loss of these two incredible ambassadors. Our thoughts are with Jill and Kristen’s loved ones at this very sad and difficult time,” Mrs Shaw said.  

“Both women showed great tenacity and vulnerability in their efforts to raise much needed funds and awareness.  Although the funds secured will assist ovarian cancer researchers, hundreds of millions are needed to really make the impact needed to have any hope of saving lives.

“Ovarian cancer researchers have made more progress in the past two years than they have in the past two decades. We are seeing women with late stage ovarian cancer living longer. While this brings a lot of hope and promise, we need to have the significant funding other cancers have received to have any hope of saving women’s lives.  

“Jill and Kristen had possibly the greatest impact we’ve ever seen at Ovarian Cancer Australia. 

"Their positive impact and momentum will continue for years to come. Their advocacy and action has given so many women impacted by this insidious disease hope for the future,” Mrs Shaw concluded.  

Jill Emberson died peacefully last night surrounded by loved ones. Jill was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016 and has been one of Australia’s most active, passionate and inspiring ovarian cancer advocates.  Jill’s determination for funding fairness for ovarian cancer, coupled with her journalistic tenacity, saw her become a protagonist for real change. Jill created what many are calling “the Jill Effect.”  

Kristen Larsen passed away peacefully on Monday evening surrounded by family and friends including her beloved ‘fur babies’. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 21 years of age and passed away aged 27.

Kristen lived with ovarian cancer for most of her adult life. From the time she was diagnosed, she inspired so many through her tireless efforts to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer in Australia, and the world. 

The owner of quite possibly 100 teal dresses (teal is the international colour for ovarian cancer), Kristen spoke at international conferences and was the face of so many teal fundraisers including Ovarian Cancer Australia’s ‘Overies for Ovaries’ Bonds and Bras ‘n’ Things Campaign for World Ovarian Cancer Day.  

In 2019, 1510 Australian women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and it is estimated that more than 1000 will die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal women’s cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Australia.