The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) will mark its 17th year of strides against ovarian cancer at their annual HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer walk and run on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Rosland Park in Edina. MOCA, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to funding ovarian cancer research, also provides support for those affected by the disease and spreads awareness about the symptoms. Minnesota Oncology is proud to sponsor this annual event.

HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer is one of the largest ovarian cancer fundraising events in the country and, this year, MOCA is expecting their largest turnout for the event. Participants can sign up individually, register with a team or form a team for race day. Teams get customizable webpages to share their goals and raise funds with friends and family.  

Last year, 3,500 HOM Teal Strides walkers and runners raised more than $350,000 for ovarian cancer research and programming. Because there is no test for ovarian cancer, MOCA’s research funding is critical to change the course of the disease.

MOCA is among the top five non-profit funders of ovarian cancer research in the nation and has provided more than $6 million to Minnesota researchers. This year, the organization awarded a record of more than $1 million to ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota. Each year in Minnesota, nearly 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“Since the day we started in 1999, one of MOCA’s main goals has been to find a test for ovarian cancer,” MOCA Executive Director, Kathleen Gavin. “Too many women are diagnosed at a late stage of ovarian cancer when treatments are not as effective. MOCA and our supporters are working to do more to discover a diagnostic test and better treatments that will save the lives of women.”

At the event, MOCA will take its annual “teal ribbon” aerial photograph of ovarian cancer survivors to honor those women on race day. New this year, MOCA is including special inspiration signs throughout the course that will feature personalized messages. These signs are available for those who have fundraised $1,000 or more.

For the fourth year in a row, MOCA has the support of title sponsor HOM Furniture. 

The event takes place during September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer, for the fifth year in a row, MOCA is promoting their Tie It Teal ovarian cancer symptom awareness campaign.

Day-of registration for HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10; with the 5K run starting at 9:15 a.m. and the 2K walk starting at 9:45 a.m. Youth participants can also register for a Kids Fun Run. Early bird registration of $30 for adults runs through August 1. Registration fees between August 1 and the morning of Sept. 10 are $35. Participants can register for the event at mnovarian.org. Each participant receives a HOM Teal Strides t-shirt; water and snacks will also be provided. Ovarian cancer survivors will receive a Teal Ribbon tote bag filled with comfort items, like handmade fleece blankets and more available at the Survivor Tent.

Learn more and register here.

About the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance:  The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) is a statewide, private, non-profit organization, founded in 1999, dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to women and families impacted by the disease and funding the research needed to detect ovarian cancer early and treat it properly. MOCA serves more than 1,000 survivors and has a network of more than 45,000 supporters with a full range of programs encompassing education, support and research. MOCA has awarded more than $6 million to 50+ ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.