Founder Spotlight: Bailey Wolfe on Why STAAR Began — and Why It Still Matters

An interview with Bailey Wolfe, Co-Founder of STAAR

When STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation first began, it wasn’t the result of a perfectly mapped plan or a team of experts who had it all figured out. It started the way many meaningful things do — with connection, questions, and a realization that something important was missing.

Bailey Wolfe, one of STAAR’s co-founders, remembers those early days clearly. Let’s get to know Bailey and learn about STAAR’s beginning.

“I’m a wife and a mom first and foremost,” Bailey shares. “I’m an educator — I’ve taught kindergarten, first, and second grade, and now I work at the district level as an instructional coach. Outside of STAAR, you’ll probably find me at the ballpark or in a school, helping teachers teach kids how to read.”

And if she’s not there? She’s likely outside.

“I love flowers. I love being in my garden. I’ll do just about anything to avoid being inside,” she laughs.

How STAAR Began

Bailey’s path to co-founding STAAR started in an online space many patients turn to when navigating a rare diagnosis: a Facebook group now know as the group for women with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).

“When I first met Jess and Alex, we had joined the LGSOC Facebook page just looking for friendship,” she explains. “We were young, diagnosed with cancer, mothers, wives — just trying to understand this world we were suddenly in.”

Those conversations quickly deepened.

“We started asking each other, ‘How are you being treated? What is your doctor telling you?’ And then we started digging into research — and learning that there wasn’t any.”

That realization changed everything.

“At that point, we decided something needed to be done.”

Bailey doesn’t recall a single dramatic turning point — no cinematic moment where everything clicked. Instead, it was a series of conversations that built momentum.

“I remember a phone call from Jess,” she says. “It was basically, ‘Okay, we’re doing this. Are you in or are you not?’ And of course, I was in.”

Why LGSOC Needed Its Own Focus

From the beginning, Bailey felt strongly that STAAR had to focus specifically on low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

“LGSOC is different,” she explains. “It behaves differently. It responds differently to treatment. We didn’t want to be under a general umbrella — we wanted research that would affect people with our type of cancer.”

That focus remains deeply personal.

“In 2019, when I was looking for research, there wasn’t any,” she says. “Now we have some — but there’s still so much more to do. I see the research happening in other cancers and think, ‘My God, I want that for us too.’”

What Keeps Her Going — Even on Hard Days

When asked what motivates her to stay involved, Bailey doesn’t hesitate.

“The women I’ve met,” she says. “Seeing the hope that STAAR has given them — that’s what keeps me going.”

Of STAAR’s mission — Survive. Thrive. Advocate. Advance Research. — one pillar has always stood out most.

“Advancing research,” Bailey says. “That has always been my answer. That’s what matters most to me.”

The Realities of Building a Foundation

Like many founders, Bailey admits there was a steep learning curve.

“Starting the foundation? The legal side was the hardest,” she says. “I had no idea what went into starting a nonprofit. Thankfully, Jess had a background there and understood the legal language.”

Sustaining the organization brought different challenges.

“Finding the right people in the right places,” she explains. “We’ve been incredibly blessed to find people who believe in this work and show up.”

One of the biggest lessons she’s learned?

“The importance of the LGSOC community,” Bailey says. “I knew it mattered — but I didn’t fully understand that this is where our power comes from. The people who get involved. If you’re not involved, get involved.”

Where She Finds Hope

Bailey is open about where she personally finds strength.

“I find hope in Jesus,” she shares. “That’s where I find my strength.”

In this work, her hope comes from peers — from watching others navigate diagnosis, advocacy, and leadership with courage and purpose.

“Seeing what they’ve gone through and what they’re trying to build — that gives me hope.”

Moments of Joy

As a self-described relationship person, Bailey’s most joyful moments come from connection.

“Without a doubt, the conference,” she says. “Meeting people in person, growing relationships that started online, forming new ones — and even meeting doctors outside the exam room and seeing their personalities. That was really special.”

Looking Back — and Forward

When Bailey reflects on how far STAAR has come, she’s struck by its reach.

“I think about where we started — who knew about STAAR then, and how much we’ve grown,” she says. “The patients, the families, the community — that’s what makes me proud.”

Founder’s Day, for her, is a moment to pause.

“It’s a day to reflect on how far we’ve come,” she says. “From three overly ambitious young women to a board, volunteers, and people who help us operate every single day.”

A Message to the Community

If Bailey could say one thing directly to the LGSOC community this Founder’s Day, her message would be simple — and sincere.

“Get involved,” she says. “Get your feet wet. Meet people. I hope you find your place — and if you don’t, ask. We will help you find it. Just get involved.”

Because STAAR didn’t grow from perfection.

It grew from people — showing up, asking questions, and deciding that hope was worth building together.