Each year, MOCA strives to advance research, deepen partnerships and do more for our community of survivors, loved ones and supporters.
In 2022, we marked significant milestones and gained positive momentum to change the course of ovarian cancer. MOCA’s achievements over the past year—are only possible because of supporters like you.
Because of you, MOCA broke a new record by exceeding a total of more than $10 million for ovarian cancer research. In 2022 alone, MOCA provided nearly $1.1 million to the cause—the largest amount ever awarded in a single year. We increased our commitment to research for better treatments, and early detection test and one day—a cure.
We made strides for women and their families. MOCA expanded our support offerings and launched our MOCA Walking Groups to give survivors, loved ones and caregivers another way to connect while staying active. Our bi-monthly virtual support groups, Young Survivor Network, educational meetings and MOCA Mentor Program provided meaningful assistance.
Your support allowed MOCA to achieve major milestones and make strides for even more progress in the months ahead. Thank you for helping us do more for survivors and loved ones, year after year.
Gratefully,
Kathleen Gavin
MOCA Executive Director
Kristine Greer
MOCA Board Chair and Ovarian Cancer Survivor
$10M+
IN RESEARCH FUNDING
In 2022, MOCA exceeded a total of more than $10 million provided to ovarian cancer research.MOCA broke a yearly record by awarding nearly $1.1 million to ovarian cancer research projects in 2022 alone.
$10M+
IN RESEARCH FUNDING
In 2022, MOCA exceeded a total of more than $10 million provided to ovarian cancer research.MOCA broke a yearly record by awarding nearly $1.1 million to ovarian cancer research projects in 2022 alone.
2022 Impact Highlights
Highlights
Research
Milestones and Momentum
Breaking research records to change the future of ovarian cancer
MOCA is accelerating research for better treatments, an early detection test and one day—a cure. Our research funding advances promising new ovarian cancer research projects.
MOCA marked a major milestone in 2022. We reached a total of more than $10 million for ovarian cancer research. In 2022 alone, MOCA set a record by awarding nearly $1.1 million to ovarian cancer research projects. Thanks to our supporters, MOCA is consistently ranked among the top private, nonprofit funders of ovarian cancer research in the nation.
I would like MOCA supporters to know that there is a dedicated research community making important progress against this complex disease… research supported by MOCA truly advances the field at a pace that would not be otherwise possible.Kathleen Burns, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
I am grateful to MOCA for funding this project that endeavors to provide novel information to improve the treatment options for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. This MOCA grant is an essential source of funding for staff in my lab, and it is also an important source of funding to generate preliminary data for inclusion in larger federally funded grant applications to support the expansion of this research.Stefani Thomas, PhD, University of Minnesota
We are thrilled to receive the award from MOCA. It is heartwarming to see patients, families, friends and ovarian cancer advocates getting together and supporting research like ours… MOCA’s funding encourages us to move our research forward in innovative and rapid ways to benefit future ovarian cancer patients.Chen Wang, PhD, and Xiaonan Hou, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
Research
In 2022, MOCA awarded $987,000 to eight Minnesota-based ovarian cancer research projects and an additional $100,000 to our National Early Detection Research Award project.
Minnesota-based researchers continue to make progress, thanks to MOCA’s funding. Watch this story about developments for an early detection test and hear from MOCA’s most-funded researcher, Dr. Amy Skubitz at the University of Minnesota.
ResearchProjects
ResearchProjects
Watch MOCA’s 2022 Annual Meeting to learn about our Minnesota-based Research Awards.
EarlyDetectionResearch
EarlyDetectionResearch
Hear from MOCA’s 2022 National Early Detection Research Award recipient in this video.
Medical Education
Milestones and Momentum
Increasing knowledge of ovarian cancer to ensure the best care possible
Education is a core part of MOCA’s mission. MOCA educates health care students and the public to help women receive a proper diagnosis and the best care available.
Survivors Teaching Students®
MOCA’s Survivors Teaching Students® or STS® program, in partnership with OCRA, provides valuable medical education to future health care providers. Survivor volunteers share their personal stories to help students recognize the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
In 2022, MOCA’s STS program reached more than 350 medical and nursing students at colleges and universities across Minnesota. Our volunteer speakers presented to health care providers both virtually and in-person.
Testimonials
This presentation was incredibly eye opening. It truly exemplified the importance of listening to your patient. I am so grateful to have heard their stories. I will remember each of these three wonderful women when I go into practice.Student, St. Catherine University
As medical students, there is no better way to learn about the impact of a diagnosis on patients more than hearing their stories, asking them questions—and seeing the whole patient and their journeys.Student, Mayo Clinic
I know that I am blessed to be an ovarian cancer survivor. I speak for the women that are not able to speak for themselves, for the friends I've lost. I want more women to be as fortunate as I am. I hope our stories have created an awareness that can't be gained from a book.Barb, STS® Speaker
Medical Education
STS® is educating future health care professionals at colleges and universities across Minnesota.
Participating Minnesota Medical Schools and Programs, 2022
Medical Schools
Mayo Clinic
University of Minnesota
Nurse Practitioner Programs
College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
College of St. Scholastica,
St. Cloud
University of Minnesota
Winona State University
Minnesota State University Mankato
Physician Assistant Programs
Augsburg University
St. Catherine University
Bethel University
College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
Health Care Scholarships and Awards
Nurses and physician assistants play key roles in the care of women with ovarian cancer. That’s why MOCA offers scholarships to help health care professionals increase their knowledge of ovarian cancer. We also present a special award to honor an exceptional front-line worker involved in ovarian cancer care.
MOCA’s Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award was established in 2020 by the family of Colleen Anderson, who died of ovarian cancer. The Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award recognizes a health care employee for excellent and compassionate care. The recipient receives a $2,500 award which may be used for any purpose.
MOCA presented the 2022 Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award to:
June Schatz, Patient Services Representative, Minnesota Oncology
“I’ve seen patients at every part of their cancer journey, and I can honestly say it’s been a privilege to be a part of their lives… Organizations such as MOCA are a wonderful asset to our patients.”
— June Schatz, Patient Services Representative, Minnesota Oncology
The Lubov-Arnold Scholarship is awarded to oncology nurses and PAs to help them attend national education conferences and advance their knowledge of ovarian cancer. This award was established in 2006 by the Lubov and Arnold families in memory of Anita Lubov, an oncology nurse who died of ovarian cancer. The scholarship later expanded to memorialize her daughter, Jan Arnold, who died of melanoma.
MOCA awarded the 2022 Lubov Arnold Conference Scholarship to:
Fabiola Madueno, RN, BSN, Park Nicollet
“This scholarship is imperative in the advancement of best practices in the workplace… This vital information can influence an entire practice and lead to increased satisfaction for both health care providers and patients. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be receiving more than a scholarship, but a truly invaluable experience.”
— Fabiola Madueno, RN, BSN, Park Nicollet
Support
Milestones and Momentum
Providing more meaningful support to assist survivors and their loved ones
MOCA is here for everyone impacted by ovarian cancer. From bi-monthly virtual support groups to in-person meet-ups and get togethers, MOCA offers survivors, families and caregivers a variety of ways to find meaningful connection. MOCA provides peer-to-peer support for men through our Men of MOCA group and Mentor Program.
In 2022, MOCA expanded our support efforts. We added our MOCA Walking Groups to allow survivors and their loved ones a way to find support while staying active. We also expanded our MOCA Cares Kits, adding a coffee mug and a small gift card for survivors to share with their caregivers as a token of their appreciation.
MOCA, to me, means hope. To have a local organization recognizing the urgency needed to focus on ovarian cancer is imperative!Ovarian Cancer Survivor
MOCA feels to me—like a port in a storm. MOCA is a continuing and dependable source of empathy, ideas and understanding.Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Support
MOCA Support Groups
MOCA’s bi-monthly support groups offered valuable connection for survivors, loved ones and caregivers throughout Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. MOCA Connections-Day and MOCA Connections-Night groups met virtually in 2022, allowing attendees to join online or by phone from the comfort of their homes.
MOCA’s Young Survivor Network
This group, created for survivors dealing with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis before menopause, met during two gatherings at a local brewery and restaurant. The YSN also met for an afternoon of crafts and connection. A private Facebook page allowed YSN members to share about issues unique to their cancer journeys.
MOCA Walking Groups
MOCA launched our Walking Groups in June 2022. Survivors, loved ones and caregivers met to walk, connect and find support outdoors. MOCA held two separate groups during the warmer weather months at a variety of locations in the east and west metro.
Men of MOCA
The Men of MOCA group provided social connection and mentorship in 2022. The Men of MOCA hosted a brewery event to support MOCA and connect with men who are impacted by an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Men in the group also connected with others as part of our Mentor Program.
MOCA Living Well Educational Meetings
MOCA Living Well meetings covered important topics to help guide our community members through their journeys with ovarian cancer. Guest speakers educated attendees on ovarian cancer treatment advances, managing the side effects of treatments and maintenance therapies and exploring the role of medical cannabis in ovarian cancer care. Our 2022 meetings took place virtually, allowing participants throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond to join.
MOCA Cares Kits
MOCA Cares Kits provided comfort to those recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and to those experiencing a recurrence. MOCA Cares Kits expanded in 2022 to include a mug and gift card for survivors to give to their caregiver as a small “thank you.” Cares Kit items for survivors included a mug, tea, soft socks, journal, pen, blanket, beanie and more. In 2022, MOCA provided 73 Cares Kits to survivors.
MOCA Lunch and Learn
In 2022, MOCA’s Lunch and Learn meeting allowed survivors and loved ones an opportunity to connect mid-day, learn about relevant topics and share experiences. MOCA’s Lunch and Learn: Recipe for Resilience was held in March. The virtual meeting covered the importance of building resilience, finding joy and expressing gratitude during life’s difficult moments.
MOCA Dream Awards
MOCA presented 11 women with MOCA Dream Awards totaling $37,500 in 2022. Since 2008, MOCA has awarded a total of more than $500,000 in Dream Awards to 151 survivors.
Dream Awards are made possible by funding designated for this program by generous donors to help survivors achieve their dreams and live their lives to the fullest.
$500K
$500K
MOCA presented 11 women with MOCA Dream Awards totaling $37,500 in 2022. Since 2008, MOCA has awarded a total of more than $500,000 in Dream Awards to 151 survivors.
“Receiving this MOCA Dream Award gives me something to look forward to. It renews my faith that there are brighter days ahead.”
— 2022 MOCA Dream Award Recipient
MOCA Events + Awareness
Milestones and Momentum
Bringing our community together to show support and raise awareness
Ovarian cancer survivors, families and supporters build community at MOCA events and make meaningful connections.
In 2022, MOCA’s Black, White & Teal Gala, HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer and Light Duluth Teal Gala helped to inspire, educate and make an impact against ovarian cancer. These events played vital roles in supporting our community and raising funds for MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and programs.
MOCA 2022 Events
Watch the video
MOCA Events
Black, White & Teal Gala
MOCA’s annual Black, White & Teal Gala entertained and inspired attendees. The event held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis included a cocktail reception, music, dinner, silent and live auctions, games, an inspirational program and more—all to benefit MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and programs. The Black, White & Teal Gala raised nearly $146,000 to support MOCA.
$146K
RAISED
$293K
RAISED
HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer
MOCA’s largest annual community event of the year brought together more than 1,500 survivors and supporters from throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Attendees gathered at Rosland Park in Edina to walk, run, raise awareness and support each other. HOM Teal Strides raised more than $293,000 for ovarian cancer research and programs.
Light Duluth Teal Gala
MOCA survivors and supporters gathered at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for an evening of hope, entertainment and inspiration. This annual event in the Northland coincides with the lighting of several area landmarks for ovarian cancer awareness. The Light Duluth Teal Gala raised more than $70,000 to support MOCA’s mission.
$70K
RAISED
Supporter Fundraisers
Any Mountain Performance and Fundraiser
On May 12, 2022, a group of musicians and dancers from Alaska, led by Joanie Hope, MD, performed at a private event for close to 75 attendees at the Walker Art Center in support of Any Mountain. Any Mountain is a collaboration between MOCA and Let Every Woman Know-Alaska that uses creativity to bring awareness and resources to fund research on the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer survivors connected to MOCA and shared elements of their stories through song. Close to $23,000 was raised for the cause.
$23K
RAISED
$55K
RAISED
Virtual Spin It Teal/Give to the Max Day Efforts
MOCA combined our annual Spin It Teal and Give to the Max Day efforts during the month of November. MOCA supporters Bob and Pam MacDonald provided a $20,000 matching gift to encourage donations to our virtual Spin It Teal and our Give to the Max campaign. The joint efforts raised nearly $55,000 to support a research grant focused on preventing recurrence.
Unleash the SHE for MOCA
Unleash the SHE 5K/10K, hosted by Grey Dog Events and presented by Mayo Clinic to support MOCA, took place in Rochester. Attendees ran and walked to support MOCA, raising $4,000 to support our mission during this October event.
$4K
RAISED
$40K
RAISED
Shop for a Cause
HOM Furniture continued to support MOCA through their annual Shop for a Cause event. Shoppers donated $10 to MOCA and received a 10% discount off sale prices at HOM Furniture stores. The event raised $40,000 for MOCA.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Health Fairs and Awareness Initiatives
MOCA raises awareness about ovarian cancer at health fairs, parades and community events throughout the state.
Our staff and volunteers took part in 21 awareness initiatives in 2022. Together, we shared the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and spoke at events to increase early detection. Through our partner organizations, we provided symptom cards at health fairs and 28 additional cancer screenings and community events during the year. In 2022, MOCA relaunched our Tie It Teal campaign which provides teal shoelaces to youth and adult sports teams to help raise awareness.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
MOCA works to reach out to the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and underserved populations. In 2022, MOCA created inclusive awareness materials for the LGBTQ+ community at the Twin Cities Pride Festival. During PRIDE, MOCA volunteers spoke with community members about ovarian cancer and our work.
Eight of the 21 awareness events MOCA attended throughout the year were organized to reach traditionally underserved communities. MOCA shared symptom cards in several languages including Somali, Hmong, Spanish, Vietnamese.
Tie It Teal with the Twins
MOCA’s annual Tie It Teal with the Twins Night at Target Field took place in August 2022. MOCA shared our mission with thousands of fans at the game, and a MOCA video played on the big screens. Media interviews about the event reached thousands more.
MOCA Lights the Night
More than 20 landmarks throughout the state of Minnesota and North Dakota took part in MOCA’s Light the Night campaign. In September, buildings, bridges and landmarks lit up in teal to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and spread hope to our community as part of this initiative.
MOCA Trees of Hope
The HOM Furniture Trees of Hope campaign featured MOCA on WDIO-TV in Duluth. MOCA shared several stories about ovarian cancer in the Northland to educate viewers about the disease and raise awareness. HOM Furniture and WDIO-TV also hosted a phone bank to benefit MOCA, raising more than $4,800 for our mission.
MOCA in the Media
MOCA worked with the media to share stories about ovarian cancer, survivorship and new research. Throughout the year, more than 32 unique stories featuring MOCA appeared in the media. With the assistance of pro-bono partners, MOCA raised awareness with TV public service announcements and billboards throughout the Twin Cities and in Duluth.
Financials
The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance has received the following ratings:
GuideStar Platinum Participant
Charities Review Council Meets Standards
BBB Wisegiving Alliance Meets All 20 Standards for Charity Accountability
Charity Navigator 4 Stars for High Level of Transparency and Accountability
The information presented is drawn from Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s financial statements, audited by CliftonLarsonAllen. They are available upon request or on our website at mnovarian.org
