About Us
STAAR was co-founded by three women diagnosed with low-grade ovarian cancer (Alex, Bailey, and Jess) who are passionate about extending women's lives via research for new treatment opportunities. STAAR is the only US-based non-profit dedicated to low-grade and works with Cure Our Ovarian Cancer (global charity dedicated to low-grade research) to advance research opportunities in the US.
STAAR's founders and board members dedicate their time on a volunteer basis. Nearly every dollar donated will go directly to fund life-saving research.
STAAR's founders and board members dedicate their time on a volunteer basis. Nearly every dollar donated will go directly to fund life-saving research.
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Alex Feldt - Alex fought hard for the correct diagnosis of stage 4 low-grade ovarian cancer, pushing for tests, asking tough questions, and acting as an amateur medical researcher. She applied that same zeal to access treatment options and to stay healthy in an unhealthy body in her four years with the disease. She combined this experience with her professional background in nonprofits to get STAAR off the ground. Though she passed away in September of 2020, Alex's memory will forever live on in our hearts.
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Bailey Wolfe - Before cancer, Bailey's life was a suburban mom's dream - she was a very active, healthy "boy mom" and first grade teacher. In early 2019, she developed severe bloating and intermittent lower abdominal pain that led to a diagnosis of stage 3A low-grade ovarian cancer. After surgery, chemo, and several bumps along the way, Bailey currently lives with no evidence of disease - praise the Lord! She's accepted that her life is forever changed and lives with the debilitating fear that the cancer will come back. As she navigates her new normal, Bailey chooses to make the most of the time she has, living life to the fullest and raising awareness, advocating, and stay alive until the research and medicine catch up to change the odds. She's excited to ensure that happens through STAAR. Bailey lives in Paducah, Kentucky with her family.
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Jess BeCraft - Jess was diagnosed with stage 3C low-grade ovarian cancer during an unplanned c-section in January 2018. Since then, she’s been in constant treatment and is yet to become cancer-free. No longer a career-focused, corporate ladder climber, Jess wanted to channel her limited energy into something truly meaningful - STAAR. She strongly believes that research for new treatment options is the key to a longer life for her and other women like her. Jess and her family live in a western suburb of Chicago. Learn more about her story here: https://bit.ly/3avKggz
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Special thanks to our board members - Anna Ballard, Emma Schlamm, Joanne Wilson, Morgan Gaynor, Nick Gilbertson, Nicole Andrews, and Solange Velazquez.
If you're interested in taking an active role with STAAR, please email jess@staaroc.org
If you're interested in taking an active role with STAAR, please email jess@staaroc.org
