Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Inc

Awareness and OutreachMOCA increased awareness about ovarian cancer and support for survivors through various public events in 2024 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), 11 awareness initiatives, two membership meetings, two educational Living Well Meetings, Ovarian Cancer Survivor Family Picnic and Young Survivor Wellness Summit. 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.

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, Ovarian Cancer Survivor Family Picnic, as well as three ongoing monthly support groups, monthly Walking Groups and a Young Survivor Wellness Summit. 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.

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 365 health care students at colleges and universities throughout Minnesota.