The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) will mark its 16th year of strides against ovarian cancer at their annual HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer walk and run on Saturday, Sept. 12 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.

HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer is one of the largest ovarian cancer fundraising events in the country, and this year, MOCA is predicting its best turnout yet. Teams ranging from 3 to 100+ people will join forces to fundraise to benefit MOCA’s research funding and programs. 

MOCA is among the top five non-profit funders of ovarian cancer research in the nation and has provided more than $5 million to Minnesota researchers. 

More than 3,500 participants – survivors, family, friends and children – are expected to take part in the event. Because there is no test for ovarian cancer, MOCA’s research funding is critical to change the course of the disease.

“For 16 years, funding research on the development of a diagnostic test and better treatments for ovarian cancer has been one of MOCA’s main goals,” said MOCA Executive Director, Kathleen Gavin.  “Many women are diagnosed at a late stage of ovarian cancer because there is no test. By taking part in HOM Teal Strides, our supporters are able to contribute to ovarian cancer research with the goal of  developing more effective  treatments and  an early detection test.”

The event takes part during September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer, MOCA is promoting their Tie It Teal ovarian cancer symptom awareness campaign.

MOCA will provide free teal shoelaces to youth sports teams throughout Minnesota to wear during the month of September. The Minnesota Twins will also participate by holding a Tie It Teal game on Sunday, August 30. Teams and individuals interested in wearing laces can get more information at www.TieItTeal.org.

Day-of registration for HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12; 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 1K Kids Fun Run. Early bird registration of $30 for adults runs through August 1. Registration fees between August 1 and the morning of Sept. 12 are $35. Participants can register for the event at mnovarian.org. Each participant receives a Teal Strides t-shirt; water and snacks will also be provided.

Minnesota Oncology is proud to be a teal-level sponsor of HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer. Other sponsors include Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Physicians, Lessing Flynn, Downtowner Car Wash and Blue Ribbon Travel.

About the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance:  The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) is a statewide, 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 $5 million to 50+ ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.