Emily Nussdorfer is familiar with helping people. The Mt. Airy resident is a trauma therapist specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) treatments, and also worked as a dance-movement therapist.

“[The work] is immensely rewarding,” Nussdorfer said. “I help my clients strengthen their resources so they can access that place of calm and peace inside themselves. They can start to then have the ability to work with their wounded areas in the psyche without those areas flooding and taking over. … That’s a really wonderful feeling.”

Nussdorfer may have a background in helping others heal, but she didn’t expect to need that help herself. However, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer late last year, it quickly became apparent she needed assistance. Luckily for Nussdorfer, a group of family, friends, and neighbors rallied around her and provided support. From an organized meal train delivering nutritious food while she underwent chemotherapy to a fundraiser that helped with medical expenses, Nussdorfer’s story exemplifies the value of community.

A long road ahead

Nussdorfer first began experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort in August 2024. Over the course of the next few months, she became bloated and started having significant pain. After a litany of diagnostic tests, she learned she had ovarian cancer in December. This diagnosis began a journey of seven rounds of chemotherapy, major abdominal surgery, and treatments of Avastin, a powerful immunotherapy drug.

Nussdorfer said this has been a very difficult process, but the results were worth it. On July 21, her abdominal CAT scan showed no signs of cancer. She is now in remission.

“These drugs are really hard and chemo really did a number on me — especially the last three [sessions] — but it saved my life, and Avastin totally saved my life,” Nussdorfer said.

However, the road ahead is still long. In addition to continuing Avastin treatments for 15 more months, Nussdorfer said she is currently dealing with painful side effects from the chemo, including neuropathy (nerve damage), several upper respiratory infections, and stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal. Her current treatments include physical therapy, acupuncture, lymphatic drain massages, and a special diet with supplements.

All of this has taken a toll on Nussdorfer, both physically and financially.

“I am doing my best to keep my spirits up, but the costs associated with treatments, medications, cancer-fighting supplements, and basic living needs continue to add up, in addition to my need to rest and focus on healing,” Nussdorfer wrote online.

Community support

As these costs added up early in Nussdorfer’s treatment, her friend of over 40 years, Anne Moss, stepped up to help. Moss previously had experience with Help Hope Live, a nonprofit based in Radnor dedicated to raising money for medical bills and other expenses through crowdfunding. She told Nussdorfer about the organization and the results were immediate.

“[Emily] was just amazed. Initially, she said, ‘There’s people that have donated that I don’t even know,’” Moss recalled. “Of course there are. They’re friends of friends, or people who have had family members go through something similar, or her story just speaks to their heart. I’m not surprised that she’s had so much support through [the fundraiser]. She’s a wonderful person. I think karma does bounce back.”

The Help Hope Live fundraiser has raised over $28,000 so far, but that is not the only support Nussdorfer received. She also credits her neighbors for helping her with laundry, taking out the trash, and giving her rides to chemo. Another friend, Karen DeHaven, set up a meal train to supply a steady stream of diet-specific food to her home.

“When cancer is on the table, community is everything,” DeHaven said. “Whether we’re there in body or not, we are at her back, holding hands through all of it.”

With a goal of $50,000, the fundraiser is still receiving donations as Nussdorfer continues treatment.

Lessons learned

Nussdorfer has a positive mindset. She said the mindfulness practices she teaches her clients — including breathing exercises and walks in nature — have been especially helpful during difficult times.

She is also working on a children’s book based on her journey. In the book, a young girl learns how to face her fears with courage to save her village.

“I feel like it’s been writing itself through me,” Nussdorfer told the Local. “In some ways, it’s been helping me to heal by having it there while I’m going through cancer.”

Nussdorfer said one thing she has learned through this process is how generous people can be.

“People have given to me in ways that have blown my heart open,” Nussdorfer said. “I feel more empowered in ways that I’ve never felt in my life.”

Learn more at helphopelive.org/campaign/25040/. Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.