Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance

ResearchMOCA is a leader in private nonprofit funding for ovarian cancer research. We provide research grants through three separate grantmaking mechanisms. The first is for investigators in Minnesota working on ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer research. We conduct a competitive grant making process which includes a stringent review by both national expert scientific researchers and consumers to select the most impactful projects. In 2023, MOCA provided five grants to Minnesota-based researchers for ovarian cancer research projects totaling $450,000. In 2023, MOCA awarded two grants of $100,000 each to two national researchers for early detection research projects. With funds raised by the Any Mountain trek to Mt. Everest, MOCA provided $10,000 each to 4 national cancer centers to expand access to an ovarian cancer surgical prevention trial.

Patient and Caregiver SupportMOCA organizes a wide range of educational and support meetings for women and families impacted by ovarian cancer including: two membership meetings, two public education meetings and one MOCA Education Summit with three educational sessions three ongoing monthly support groups, monthly Walking Groups and two young survivors support meetings. MOCA provides mentoring throughout their MOCA Mentor program and Men of MOCA mentor program. MOCA also provided website resources, critical one on one support to ovarian cancer survivors, families and caregivers via phone, email, and in person at our office 40 hours per week. In addition, MOCA provided Cares Kits full of comfort items for women with ovarian cancer and MOCA Dream Awards for women with ovarian cancer to realize dreams.

Awareness and OutreachMOCA increased awareness about ovarian cancer and support for survivors through various public events in 2023 such as HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer, Tie it Teal with the Twins Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day, Unleash the She 5k 10k Race, MOCA Lights the Night initiative (30 landmarks lit throughout Minnesota and beyond), 15 awareness initiatives, and four educational events including two Living Well work shop and one MOCA Education Summit with three educational sessions on topics including treatment advances, navigating the stages of survivorship and naturopathic, integrative care.. MOCA has a strong media presence and placed 28 unique stories about ovarian cancer on local TV stations and in several print and digital outlets throughout Minnesota. MOCA events and media stories include information about ovarian cancer, its impact on women, families and the community- and ways to improve survival. MOCA produces a monthly MOCA Messenger newsletter and regular updates via email. Additionally, MOCA raises awareness about ovarian cancer through our social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Medical EducationMOCA recognizes the critical role health care providers play in recognizing the symptoms of ovarian cancer and diagnosing the disease to improve patient survival. A full-time staff person is designate to design and execute ovarian cancer outreach programs for the medical community, including the Surviving Teaching Students program which educated 325 health care students at colleges and universities throughout Minnesota.