When I was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) in the fall of 2022 it stopped me in my tracks. I was working at a job I enjoyed and found interesting (a rarity, I know). I was happily married to my high school sweetheart and we had a nice quiet life with our beloved cockapoo.

Unfortunately, all of my current and future plans got turned upside down after being diagnosed with LGSOC. It took a while for things to sink in about how much my life was going to change. As I went through treatment, including surgery, chemo, and a maintenance drug, I sometimes felt powerless against this disease. 

While I recovered and felt better, I had more capacity to research LGSOC. I learned how it is extremely under researched and underfunded, which are two things you never want to hear about your cancer type. I immediately became more frustrated and motivated to do something to try and help.

During my late night internet searching, I thankfully found STAAR. I was thrilled to find an organization dedicated to LGSOC and even more elated that they focused on raising funds for research and spreading awareness. I knew right away I had found a special group of people who truly understand what it is like to live day in and day out with this disease. 

All of the board members and volunteers welcomed me into STAAR as I began volunteering with the Marketing and Communications Committee. I was able to apply my skills and past experience working in health education to create patient outreach materials and social media posts.

I told my story as I testified at the FDA externally-led patient-focused drug development meeting and described what life is like living with LGSOC. Recently, I was part of the planning committee for the inaugural LGSOC patient conference. I was honored to join STAAR’s board in December 2024 and lead future volunteer efforts.

I found that volunteering has been a healthy way to channel some of my frustrations and negative thoughts into tangible actions. I know I am using my time and energy toward a worthwhile cause and I am doing that alongside an amazing group of people.

We are always looking for people to join us as volunteers. It’s incredible what we can do when we do it together. 

STAAR is powered by dedicated volunteers—patients, caregivers, and advocates who want to make a difference.

Whether you’re passionate about research, fundraising, communications, or donor relations, there’s a place for you on our team.
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• Flexible commitment levels (1-20 hours per week)
• Meaningful ways to contribute to the LGSOC community
• Work alongside inspiring leaders & researchers

You can fill out the interest form here.

Meet Staarla, Our Shining Star!

We also have a snazzy new look, thanks to a generous donation from Duo Collective through their Duo Gives Back program

We're excited to introduce our mascot, Staarla! This friendly star represents hope, resilience, and the power of community. Big changes deserve a little extra sparkle! Keep an eye out for her in emails, social media, and special STAAR materials.

Staarla is here to remind you that you're never alone.
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Last weekend, STAAR hosted the first LGSOC Patient Conference in Houston, creating an opportunity for people with low-grade serous ovarian cancer to gather together and hear from leading researchers. For many, it was the first time meeting another person with low-grade face to face.

Jennifer Davis Zeimen was diagnosed with LGSOC years before STAAR existed. 

She writes:
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STAAR was created 5 years ago. Before then, I didn’t know of any group or charity focused on my rare cancer, LGSOC. I (and many others facing LGSOC) had a lot of lonely years. Three strong women created STAAR, which raises funds exclusively for research of our disease that is so lacking in effective treatments. 

Last weekend I was so lucky to attend STAAR’s first ever patient conference. For the first time in 9 years I met other people with LGSOC and got to hear about the latest research. Luke got to connect with other husbands (and caregivers). We learned, and laughed, and cried, and felt overwhelmingly grateful. 
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