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STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation has been run completely by volunteers since it was created in 2020 by three women with low-grade serous ovarian cancer. Co-founders Jessica BeCraft, Alex Feldt, and Bailey Wolfe were STAAR’s first volunteers, launching efforts to raise money to fund research into treatments for their ovarian cancer. It makes sense that most of STAAR’s board members and volunteers have been low-graders, not just because they are the ones to benefit from advances in treatments, but also because most people have never heard of LGSOC. (A recent survey of LGSOC patients found that 99% had never heard of it before they were diagnosed with it.) After four years, STAAR’s board has grown to nine members, most of whom have low-grade serous cancer. Others were motivated to dedicate their time because of their love for STAAR Board Chair Nicole Andrews. “I am often asked if I have ovarian cancer because I am so active in STAAROC,” said Alyssa Toomes, STAAR Vice Chair–Fund Development. “In 2020 when my best friend, Nicole, was diagnosed, I knew immediately that she would take me along on this journey.” Alyssa also has been the chair of STAAR’s annual Step Up America for Ovarian Cancer campaign, which encourages fundraising events across the country during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September. “I willingly jumped on the train and became involved by helping to organize Nicole’s first Step Up America walk,” Alyssa said. “I have found the variety of events we offer through Step Up America makes it fun to organize and provide information and support to participants. The opportunity to serve on STAAR’s board has been twofold by fulfilling a passion for service and supporting my best friend by funding research.”  From left: STAAR Treasurer Christina Campbell and Vice Chair–Fund Development Alyssa Toomes are childhood friends of Board Chair Nicole Andrews, in ball cap, along with Dena Day, right, who helped plan the first Step Up America for Ovarian Cancer campaign. STAAR Treasurer Christina Campbell is another childhood friend of Nicole’s. “Hearing about her cancer and having two family members who have had ovarian cancer of course makes me want to get involved and help make a difference,” she said. “Nicole is one of the sweetest friends and her caring and bubbly personality shines in everyone she meets. So, when Nicole asked me to join the board as Treasurer, it did not take me long to respond. I wanted to join not only to help a dear friend but so many other people I could possibly help make a difference in their lives working with such a great and growing organization as STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation.” In addition to the board members, the foundation relies on efforts from a committee of volunteers who help plan events, create social media posts, conduct outreach, and design the website. STAAR’s volunteer web designer Amanda Royse didn’t know anything about ovarian cancer, let alone LGSOC, before her good friend STAAR co-founder Alex Feldt was diagnosed with it. “After she died, when STAAR put out a call for volunteers I wanted to learn more,” Amanda said. “I have been blown away by the patient stories and the frustrating diagnosis journeys that these women have gone through. “While LGSOC might be rare, a lack of advocacy and awareness around women's health is not,” she said. “I think it is important to lift up the voices of these incredible people who strive to be heard despite suffering a complicated and painful disease. I am so glad to be a part of a team that is working hard to make change.” No close, personal connection with the disease is required, however. Lisa Buffington has partnered with STAAR through her work in biotech to raise awareness of the disease with policymakers and the media. “I continue to be driven to raise awareness of LGSOC, its symptoms, the fact that it affects younger women who may not be aware of what to look for, and the need for more research and treatment options,” she said. “STAAR's leadership and progress along with leading clinicians and researchers are making real change. I have met women diagnosed with LGSOC from all over the world and feel deeply committed to partnering with them to make a positive difference.” Read more about what STAAR has accomplished over the past four years under Research + News and Voices of LGSOC. AuthorKari Neumeyer is STAAR Vice Chair—Marketing & Communications. She was diagnosed with LGSOC in 2020.
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