By: Joshua Finley

When facing a devastating diagnosis, most people focus solely on their own survival. Yet some individuals find within their darkest moments a calling to create lasting change for others. Through determination, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to helping others, Emily Campbell, Executive Director at Not These Ovaries, is reshaping how we approach rare ovarian cancers. By channeling her energy into advocacy, she’s working to bridge critical gaps in research funding and patient care, highlighting that even the greatest challenges can inspire impactful work.

A Diagnosis That Transformed Into a Mission

Emily’s journey started in December 2022. That’s when she started experiencing persistent abdominal bloating and discomfort. “I looked pregnant; the bloating was so severe,” she recalls. Despite visiting several doctors, she received many misdiagnoses. She mentions that doctors suggested possibilities like a gluten allergy or constipation. It wasn’t until a visit to the emergency room that an MRI and ultrasound revealed a large pelvic mass.

One month and two opinions later, Emily was finally diagnosed with stage 3B borderline ovarian cancer after initially being misdiagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer. She quickly learned how challenging it is to detect this disease early. “The symptoms mimic other benign issues like abdominal pain or feeling full quickly,” she explains. “It’s not until the later stages—when it’s already advanced—that women start to see symptoms.” Detection is hard. A surgical biopsy is the only way to diagnose it, but it’s a risky, invasive procedure.

Bridging the Gaps in Research and Access

At home recovering from surgery, Emily was struck by the lack of resources for women with rare ovarian tumors. “There’s no FDA-approved drug treatment for low-grade serous ovarian cancer,” she notes. Unlike high-grade ovarian cancers that respond to chemotherapy, low-grade serous ovarian cancer is a slow-growing ovarian malignancy, making it less responsive to traditional drug protocols. It is similar to borderline ovarian cancer as they can often be mistaken for one another under the microscope. The challenges extend beyond treatment options. Emily highlights the shortage of specialists. “Sixty percent of women in the U.S. can’t access a gynecologic oncologist. Some states have none at all.” She notes that women with this diagnosis often undergo many surgeries. The type of cancer has a high recurrence rate, and there are limited alternatives to improve women’s quality of life.

Emily also observed a significant funding gap. “Most ovarian cancer charities focus on patient resources, which are absolutely necessary, but there wasn’t enough going toward research,” she explains. Her mission became clear: she would create an organization where a significant portion of funds would directly support research aimed at identifying treatments and early detection methods for rare ovarian cancers.

Turning Advocacy Into Action

In January 2023, Emily and her husband officially launched Not These Ovaries. Using her experience in early-stage companies, she built a nonprofit with a bold and contemporary approach. “We wanted our branding and messaging to be punchy and direct,” she says. “Our audience is younger women, and we wanted to feel like an older sister who’s been through it and can guide you gently but honestly.”

The organization’s emphasis on research has already yielded meaningful outcomes. “We raised significant funding for Dana Farber to study the molecular biome of low-grade tumors,” Emily shares. Furthermore, additional resources were allocated to a prominent medical institution in Miami Beach. The funds will support research by a world-renowned oncologist. “This commitment is helping hire a researcher to work on understanding this specific cancer better,” she adds.

These successes have only reinforced Emily’s resolve. “We’re working toward two major goals: finding effective treatments and developing early detection protocols,” she says. Without early screening, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late, leaving women with few options and dire outcomes.

Emily’s dedication stems from her personal experience, but her vision extends far beyond her own story. Emily hopes to contribute to changing how people understand and treat ovarian cancer. She believes that through increased research focus and raising awareness, progress is achievable. Through Not These Ovaries, she is breaking barriers in funding and advocacy, demonstrating that one determined person can inspire change. “Women deserve better,” she says simply. And with Emily at the helm, she’s striving to ensure they receive it.

To learn about Emily Campbell’s work or support Not These Ovaries, visit her website or LinkedIn.

Published by Mark V.