Why STAAR?

STAAR stands for SURVIVE. THRIVE. ADVOCATE. ADVANCE RESEARCH.

STAAR was founded in 2020 when three women facing low-grade serous ovarian cancer recognized the urgent need for dedicated funding and support—a need unmet by the larger charities.
  • We fund research to provide better outcomes for people with LGSOC 
  • We support the LGSOC community with resources and a place to connect 
  • 100% volunteer-run means more of every dollar goes directly to our mission 
  • STAAR is the first U.S. charity focused on funding LGSOC research.​
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STAAR Founders Jess BeCraft, Bailey Wolfe, Alex Feldt
​The foundation exists to fund research for better treatment options for low-grade serous carcinoma, a rare (about 5% of ovarian cancer cases) and extremely underfunded ovarian cancer.

LGSOC disproportionately affects younger women

Today.com recently featured a story about STAAR board member Emma Schlamm, who first experienced symptoms of LGSOC when she was 25. Read her story here.

Not Feeling 100%? Don’t Ignore It!

Persistent symptoms need attention. Our symptom checker is a simple tool to help you identify common signs of low-grade serous ovarian cancer. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's time to speak with your doctor.

Support Our Cause in Style

Explore our exclusive Bonfire merchandise collection. Every purchase funds LGSOC research.

Shaping Cancer Research

Watch powerful stories from the first-ever EL-PFDD meeting for ovarian cancer. See how patient voices are influencing research and driving change.​

Advancing Research to Improve Outcomes for LGSOC

Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is a rare and understudied disease, leaving patients with limited treatment options. STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation is the first U.S. nonprofit solely dedicated to funding LGSOC research.

We work directly with leading scientists, research institutions, and medical experts to:
  • Fund groundbreaking studies that explore new treatment approaches
  • Drive collaboration between researchers and clinicians for faster discoveries
  • Advocate for increased investment in LGSOC research

Although LGSOC is a distinct and understudied form of ovarian cancer, it receives only a fraction of the research funding needed to develop life-saving treatments. STAAR is changing that by prioritizing research grants that directly impact patient survival and quality of life.

Discover the Faces and Stories Behind Our Mission on Instagram

Connect with our cause and the people we serve — every picture tells a story.

Our Partnership with the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative

Formerly known as Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative was founded in New Zealand in 2018, blazing a trail as the world's first nonprofit dedicated to low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).

Through our partnership, we amplify our impact—funding groundbreaking research and providing vital resources to those affected by LGSOC. Together, we’re building a stronger community, sharing knowledge, and fostering hope.

Despite LGSOC being rare but life-altering, research funding remains extremely limited. STAAR is working to change that by funding critical studies that lead to better treatments and improved outcomes.

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