DEFENDER PARTNERS WITH CAMILLA AND MARC FOR A LIFE-CHANGING MISSION
Defender Australia is proudly supporting fashion designers Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman in their deeply personal mission to change women's health forever through the "Ovaries. Talk About Them." campaign.
A PERSONAL MISSION WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
Behind every great adventure lies a powerful purpose. For CAMILLA AND MARC, this campaign represents their most important journey yet – developing the world's first early detection test for ovarian cancer. After losing their mother to this devastating disease, the siblings have channelled their grief into action, creating a movement that could save millions of lives worldwide.
Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest female cancer, with no current early detection method available. The statistics paint a stark picture: over 75% of cases are diagnosed in late stages when treatment is less effective, and survival rates sit at just 49% over five years. By 2050, these numbers are projected to worsen dramatically, making early intervention more critical than ever.
As the campaign continues to gain momentum, we sat down with Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman to reflect on the impact of this year’s initiative and the meaningful partnership with Defender. Their insights reveal not only the depth of personal purpose behind the movement, but also the shared values that make this collaboration so powerful.
How do you personally interpret the partnership with Defender, and in what ways do you see it reflecting and strengthening the shared values between our brands?
The partnership with Defender feels incredibly aligned and authentic. Both brands share a commitment to challenging the norm and embracing innovation - values that sit at the core of the Ovaries. Talk About Them campaign. Just as Defender champions modern technology and progress, this campaign is about breaking down stigma around women’s reproductive health, while backing pioneering science to bring an early detection test for the deadliest female cancer to clinical trials.
For launch week, we were proud to see six Defenders across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth boldly decaled with this year’s Ovaries. Talk About Them. slogans. Together, we’ve been able to amplify the message around ovarian cancer awareness in a way that feels powerful and far-reaching, and it’s that alignment of values that makes the collaboration so meaningful.
What has been the standout moment or defining achievement of this year’s campaign?
The incredible groundswell of support and solidarity. We’ve been connected with so many wonderful women, families, and communities who have shared their stories, posted on social media, worn the t-shirts, and started important conversations. This disease affects everyone in one way or another. That strong sense of community and solidarity has been incredibly powerful, and a reminder that while our personal journey started in grief, it has grown into a much bigger movement. Every year we’re so proud to see a genuine cultural shift in how people are talking about ovarian cancer, and knowing this movement and strong sense of community is helping pave the way for better outcomes for the future of women with ovarian cancer, is a defining achievement.
DEFENDER'S COMMITMENT TO MEANINGFUL CHANGE
Just as Defender conquers challenging terrain, this partnership tackles one of healthcare's most difficult challenges. By amplifying awareness and driving funding for this groundbreaking research, Defender reinforces its commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting positive impact, particularly for women.
The collaboration aligns perfectly with Defender's values of resilience, advocacy, and community support. Where others see obstacles, both Defender and CAMILLA AND MARC see opportunities to push boundaries and achieve what many thought impossible.
CHANGING THE CONVERSATION, SAVING LIVES
The "Ovaries. Talk About Them." campaign breaks through the silence that has surrounded women's health issues for too long. Through powerful documentaries and survivor stories, the movement exposes the systemic bias that has led to chronic underfunding of ovarian cancer research and demands urgent action.
Over 310,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide each year. The campaign's bold approach aims to get a DNA-based early detection test to clinical trials within the next year, potentially revolutionising treatment outcomes and saving countless lives.
This partnership is about using Defender's platform to champion causes that matter, supporting Australian innovators who refuse to accept the status quo, and proving that the most meaningful adventures happen when we come together to create positive change.
Together, Defender and CAMILLA AND MARC are not just talking about ovaries – they're taking action to ensure future generations of women have the early detection tools they deserve.