STAAR is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit foundation dedicated to low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).

Our mission is to drive progress in LGSOC research and to improve the quality of life for those affected by this rare form of ovarian cancer.

STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation is the first U.S. nonprofit solely dedicated to funding life-saving research for low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).

Our Mission

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Our Vision

We envision a future where LGSOC patients have access to effective treatments, a strong support network, and a renewed sense of optimism for the future.

Our Values

Determination

We relentlessly pursue a world without low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

Courage

We face challenges with boldness and take action without hesitation.

Compassion

We support and uplift those impacted by ovarian cancer.

Integrity

We earn donor trust through ethical and responsible conduct, remaining nonpartisan

Diversity

We strive for equity through inclusion and respect.

Respect

We uphold respect as a fundamental human right.

Advancing Research for LGSOC Treatments

STAAR is committed to advancing research for better treatment options for low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). Since 2020, we've funded close to $1,00,000 in groundbreaking research projects and led many initiatives for the LGSOC community.

We continue to partner with top researchers and institutions to ensure nearly every dollar raised goes directly toward life-saving research.

Multi-national patient impact surveys to uncover gaps in LGSOC care

Leading an externally-led patient focused drug development meeting before the US FDA and researchers

The first LGSOC patient conference with presentations from the world's leading experts in LGSOC

Funding collaborative LGSOC research studies with other patient advocate organizations

Our Board of Directors

Get to know the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to make STAAR a success. Each member brings unique skills and passion to the LGSOC community.

Nicole Andrews

Chair

Houston, TX

Nicole discovered STAAR in 2020 while undergoing chemotherapy for LGSOC and immediately felt called to act. Within two weeks, she organized a socially distanced 5K that drew 200 participants and raised $25,000 for research.

A retired University of Houston associate professor, she now thrives on maintenance treatment with no evidence of disease. Nicole lives in Houston with her husband, three kids, two very opinionated dogs, and loves gardening, cooking, reading, pickleball, and learning needlepoint.

Alyssa Toomes

Vice Chair - Fundraising

Phoenix, AZ

Alyssa joined the STAAR Board after serving on the Fundraising Committee and co-chairing Step Up America 2022, helping fund major LGSOC research at MSK and MD Anderson.

A recently retired educator, Alyssa now lives in Phoenix with her husband and their lab, Jake, new puppy, Tilly Rose, and is happily collecting new hobbies while championing survivors and research.

Morgan Gaynor

Secretary

Highlands, NJ

Morgan has a lifelong passion for volunteering and also serves as president of the Junior League of Monmouth County. Diagnosed with stage IV LGSOC in 2019 at age 30, she has become a powerful advocate for research funding and patient awareness at every level of government.

She holds an MBA from Monmouth University and is dedicated to elevating the voices of ovarian cancer survivors.

Christina Campbell

Treasurer

Manvel, TX

Christina has volunteered with STAAR since 2022 and brings more than 30 years of accounting experience to her role as treasurer.

Originally from Louisiana, she now lives in Manvel with her husband of nearly 30 years and their two sons. Christina loves beach trips, sunsets, and cheering on the Houston Astros.

Bailey Wolfe

Founder and Director

Paducah, KY

A founding member of STAAR, Bailey was a busy “boy mom” and first-grade teacher when she was diagnosed with stage 3A LGSOC in 2019. After surgery and treatment, she continues navigating her “new normal” with resilience and purpose.

Bailey is committed to raising awareness, advocating for research, and doing everything she can to push for better outcomes for women with LGSOC. She lives in Paducah with her family.

Emma Schlamm

Director

Bethesda, MD

Emma was diagnosed with LGSOC at 25 and, after surgeries and chemotherapy, has been NED since 2021. With a career in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, she has always championed young women’s advocacy—but her diagnosis made the mission personal.

Emma now works to shine a light on this rare cancer and strengthen research efforts.

Ellie Habib

Director

West Orange, NJ

Ellie was diagnosed with stage 3C LGSOC in 2021 at just 27. Now NED for over a year, she serves on the board and chairs STAAR’s fundraising committee.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two beloved dogs and channels her experience into raising awareness and supporting research that gives hope to others.

Tiffany Locke

Director,

Nashville, TN

Tiffany brings both professional expertise and deep personal passion to STAAR. An Oncology Nurse Practitioner and Oncology Account Manager, she has spent her career improving cancer care.

Her best friend Bailey’s LGSOC diagnosis inspired her to become an advocate for survivors and families. Tiffany is dedicated to creating an inclusive, hopeful community for everyone affected by LGSOC.

Mark Blake

Director

Monclair, NJ

Mark became involved with STAAR after his wife Meredith’s LGSOC diagnosis in 2021 and joined the board to honor her legacy after her passing in 2024.

With a long career in finance and leadership roles at major companies, Mark now serves as executive director of the Association of Wind + Water Sports Industries and advises multiple funds. He lives in Montclair with his two children and their two dogs.

Our Founders

STAAR was founded by three women - Alex, Bailey, and Jess - who were diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). United by their passion to extend lives through research, they launched the first U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to LGSOC research.

Our Founders

Jess BeCraft

Jess was diagnosed with stage 3 LGSOC in 2018 after a routine ovarian cyst removal. Facing a future with limited treatment options, she turned her fear into action, co-founding STAAR to accelerate research and improve outcomes for others.

A nature lover and avid climber, Jess believed in fighting for better treatment options. She passed away in September 2021, but her vision remains at the heart of STAAR.

Alex Feldt

Alex fought tirelessly for an accurate diagnosis of stage 4 low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). She was a relentless advocate, researching treatment options and pushing for better care. Her professional background in nonprofit fundraising helped lay the foundation for STAAR, ensuring that LGSOC research receives the attention it deserves.

Alex passed away in September 2020, but her passion and legacy continue to drive STAAR’s mission.

Bailey Wolfe

Before cancer, Bailey was a busy mom with a love for running and teaching. In 2019, she was diagnosed with stage 3 LGSOC after experiencing persistent abdominal pain. After undergoing surgery and multiple treatments, she chose to focus on hope, research, and resilience.

Bailey now dedicates her life to supporting STAAR’s mission, ensuring that more women have access to better treatment options and a future beyond LGSOC.