Elsa Larsen
After losing her younger sister Kristen Larsen to ovarian cancer, Elsa committed to honouring Kristen’s legacy and advocating for increased awareness, funds for research, and ultimately improved outcomes for women in the future. Ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rates for women’s cancer, with no early detection test and limited effective treatment options.
When Kristen was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer at the age of 21, Elsa became Kristen’s fulltime caregiver for the following 6 years as Kristen endured continuous treatments, clinical trials and surgeries. Kristen wanted to make a difference, and with Elsa by her side, the sisters campaigned, advocated, and volunteered internationally and throughout Australia to share Kristen’s story through charities, fundraising events, media, symposiums, and conferences.
Today, Elsa continues to champion the teal ribbon, speaking publicly at events, and collaborating with charities and researchers. She is an ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia, the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, and Cherish Women’s Foundation. She is also a consumer in research advocate for the University of Queensland’s ovarian cancer research, and the International Consortium for Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Elsa also coordinates the educational program, Survivors Teaching Students in university medical and nursing schools in Brisbane.
Elsa’s journey through navigating the healthcare system, cancer treatment and caring for a terminally ill loved one is something she wishes upon no one. However, it has brought her great perspective and experience that she hopes will enable her to help others and shape a better future.
By profession, Elsa is a former school teacher and qualified librarian, having worked in London and Toronto. She is now a librarian at Griffith University, delivering educational training and services in research and academic writing. Elsa is particularly keen to help assist Queensland’s young people and cares about the challenges and barriers facing students in their educational and home settings.
