In July 1998, two breast cancer survivors, Barbara Davis and Toni Clark, founded the Surviving, Thriving, African-Americans Rallying Support (STAARS) group in Memphis, Tennessee. This was the first breast cancer support group in the Memphis community founded by breast cancer survivors. The need for an African American breast cancer support group that was "vocal and visible" arose because overt cancer conversations and information in the community were basically non-existent. The Memphis Cancer Foundation (MCF) played a crucial role in helping the group get started by providing meeting facilities, supplies, refreshments for meetings, guidance, and serving as their parent organization for community grants under their 501(c)(3) status.

STAARS' mission is to educate, encourage, and empower African American women in the fight against breast cancer. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month to provide support and education to its members. In addition to monthly meetings, STAARS members participate in outreach activities and events to spread awareness of breast cancer among African Americans. The Memphis MidSouth Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded the group its first community grant in 2005 to support STAARS' community outreach activities, which have been renewed each year since 2005.

Components of the STAAR Witness Program, supported by the grant, address the needs of the African American, uninsured/underinsured, and medically underserved community. The group also offers a 24-hour access STAAR Phone Line for breast cancer survivors. Some of the members have undergone surgery, some are in therapy with cancer-killing drugs, and some are participating in research trials. Many of them rely on faith and trust in God, and they are all determined to win the battle over cancer, to live, and to have fun doing it.

Dr. Barbara Davis, a native Memphian and Hickory Hill resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, two years before co-founding STAARS. Initially, she kept her diagnosis quiet and continued her normal routine, working treatments and doctor visits into her schedule. Stigma kept her from sharing her struggle, but she found peace through prayer and had lots of support from her family and selective friends. In addition to her work with STAARS, Dr. Davis is an associate professor in the Department of Management at the University of Memphis.

STAARS has been instrumental in raising awareness of breast cancer, especially among African Americans, and providing support and education at many Mid-South events. The group's efforts have helped to address the racial gap in breast cancer outcomes in Memphis, a city where the racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes is deplorable. Through their dedication and commitment, STAARS and Dr. Barbara Davis continue to make a difference in the lives of African American women fighting breast cancer in Memphis and beyond.