Minnesota Oncology is proud to once again be a Teal Sponsor of HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer walk/run to support Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). This year's event marks 20 years of strides against ovarian cancer at their annual HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer walk and run on Saturday, Sept. 14 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. The organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout 2019.

{image_1}HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer is one of the largest ovarian cancer fundraising events in the country and is MOCA’s largest fundraiser for research funding and programming. Participants can register and fundraise individually or through a team. Participants receive customizable webpages to share their goals and raise funds with friends and family. 

MOCA aims to raise more than $350,000 through this year’s event, making it the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Since its inception in 1999, the event has raised $4.25 million for ovarian cancer research funding and programming. MOCA is among the top three non-profit funders of ovarian cancer research in the nation and has provided nearly $9 million to ovarian cancer researchers.

This year, MOCA awarded $680,000 to ovarian cancer research projects. While most of MOCA’s research funding is directed to Minnesota researchers, two years ago, MOCA expanded their reach by providing some funds to national researchers focused on an early detection test.

{image_2}Because there is no diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, MOCA’s research funding is critical to change the course of the disease. Each year in Minnesota, nearly 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“For two decades now, 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 when treatments are less effective. We are getting closer – but more needs to be done. MOCA and our supporters have made an impact over the past 20 years and are committed to one day discovering a test and developing better treatments that will save the lives of women.”

At the event, MOCA will take its annual photograph of ovarian cancer survivors to honor those women on race day. MOCA is also featuring their HOM Teal Strides Inspiration signs throughout the course that will feature personalized messages. These signs are available for those who have fundraised $1,000 or more by August 31.

The event is so much more than just a walk and run. HOM Teal Strides features live music and entertainment along the race course and more activities for kids and families.  The event also includes a Kids Fun Run, lawn games and other activities. Many healthcare providers and oncologists take part in the event to support their patients and families.

For the seventh year in a row, MOCA has the support of title sponsor HOM Furniture. MOCA is also thrilled to welcome back WCCO-TV anchor Kim Johnson as HOM Teal Strides emcee.

The event takes place during September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer, MOCA will be launching the MOCA Lights the Night campaign on Sunday, Sept. 1, when major landmarks and bridges throughout the state and Midwest will be lit in teal.

Participants can register for the event and start a team at mnovarian.org. Early bird registration of $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under runs through August 15. Registration fees between August 16 and Sept. 12 are $35 for adults and $15 for children. Adult registration rates on race day are $40.

Day-of registration for HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14; with the 5K run starting at 9:00 a.m. and the 2K walk starting at 9:45 a.m.  Youth participants can also register for a Kids Fun Run.

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 special items at the Survivor Tent.

Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Oncology and the University of Minnesota Cancer Care are teal-level sponsors of HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer. Platinum level sponsors include AstraZeneca, Blue Ribbon Travel, Clovis Oncology, Fuzzy Duck Creative Marketing and Digital Solutions and Merck.

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 nearly $9 million to ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota and nationwide. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.