$11.5M+
TOTAL IN RESEARCH FUNDING
$690K
IN 2023 ALONE
In 2023, MOCA exceeded a total of more than $11.5 million for ovarian cancer research. MOCA provided $690,000 to research projects in 2023 alone.
$11.5M+
TOTAL IN RESEARCH FUNDING
$690K
IN 2023 ALONE
In 2023, MOCA exceeded a total of more than $11.5 million for ovarian cancer research. MOCA provided $690,000 to research projects in 2023 alone.
2023 Impact Highlights
Lighting the Way
Funding Innovative Research and Providing Hope
MOCA is lighting the way for research breakthroughs needed to change the future of ovarian cancer. Women diagnosed today are benefiting from research that’s led to new targeted therapies, but we know there’s so much more work to be done. Thanks to our supporters, MOCA is accelerating promising ovarian cancer research to make progress for even more effective treatments and eventually a cure.
In 2023, MOCA’s total amount of research funding climbed to more than $11.5 million. MOCA is consistently ranked among the top private, nonprofit funders of ovarian cancer research in the nation—and it’s all thanks to our supporters.
“Your support has enabled researchers to pursue projects that are necessary to increase our understanding of the biology of ovarian cancer and then apply those discoveries to the identification of early-stage biomarkers and new treatments for ovarian cancer.”
— Amy Skubitz, PhDUniversity of Minnesota2023 MOCA Research Award Recipient &MOCA’s Most-Funded Researcher
“Thanks to your efforts, we are able to test new hypotheses, pursue additional funding opportunities, and foster collaborations with other investigators in the national and international community. Your contributions enable us to make advancements in our research and ultimately work towards improving outcomes in our field.”
— Martina Bazzaro, PhDUniversity of Minnesota2023 MOCA Research Award Recipient
“MOCA’s research funding is critical to the advancement of our project because we are at the earliest stages of our study. MOCA’s support prioritizes patients now and enables the initiation of this important project.”
— Charles Ishak, PhDMD Anderson Cancer Center2023 MOCA National Early Detection Research Award Recipient
In 2023, MOCA awarded $450,000 to five Minnesota-based ovarian cancer research projects and an additional $200,000 to two National Early Detection Research Award projects.
Watch MOCA’s Annual Meeting to learn about our research progress and hear about our latest projects.
Want to learn more about innovative early detection research funded by MOCA? Click play to hear from the researchers themselves.
Any Mountain Collaboration
MOCA distributed $40,000 in funds raised by the Any Mountain trek to Mt. Everest to cancer centers throughout the U.S. to support the expansion of the TUBA-WISP II trial. This trial, managed by MD Anderson Cancer Center, is a surgical prevention trial that gives women at high risk for ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations the option of a two-step procedure to reduce their risk. By having their fallopian tubes surgically removed first (salpingectomy) with a delayed ovary removal (oophorectomy), women are able to preserve hormonal function longer, thereby maintaining cardiovascular protection, sexual function and other benefits. The Any Mountain funding is being used to open sites across the country expanding access to diverse populations. In 2023, MOCA funded the opening of this trial at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), Memorial Sloan Kettering (New York City), University of Washington (Seattle), and Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Boston).
Lighting the Way
Educating Health Care Providers and Promoting Earlier Detection
We connect. We educate. We work to increase knowledge of ovarian cancer and its symptoms through MOCA’s medical education program and improve care through our health care scholarships.
Survivors Teaching Students®
MOCA provides valuable medical education to future health care providers through our Survivors Teaching Students® Program, in partnership with OCRA.
In 2023, a group of 15 survivor volunteers participated in our medical education program. They shared personal stories with 335 health care students throughout Minnesota to educate them about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. MOCA’s volunteer speakers connected with students virtually and in-person. Our goal is to increase early detection to help improve outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease.
Survivors’ stories leave a lasting impact on future health care providers. It’s eye-opening, real-world education that goes beyond textbooks.
“This presentation has changed the way I might approach sometimes vague symptoms in patients—and taught me not to dismiss these concerns.”
— Student, College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
“It was amazing to hear the stories the women shared and the importance of always remembering the vague symptoms of ovarian cancer.”
— Student, Minnesota State University, Mankato
STS® is educating future health care professionals at colleges and universities across Minnesota.
Participating Minnesota Medical Schools and Programs, 2023
Medical Schools
- 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 College
- St. Catherine University
- Bethel University
- College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
Other Programs
- College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Allied Health Program
Health Care Scholarships and Awards
Nurses and physician assistants are a critical part of the care team for women with ovarian cancer. MOCA is proud to offer scholarships to our valued health care professionals.
Pederson Nursing Scholarship
Our Pederson Nursing Scholarship is a $1,000 annual scholarship to support the continuing education of a currently practicing oncology nurse.
MOCA presented the Pederson Nursing Scholarship to:
Robin Quintard, RN, M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center
Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award
MOCA’s 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 Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award to:
Sherry Looker, RN, BSN, OCN, Mayo Clinic
“While I’ve received honors at work for teamwork and leadership, this award speaks to my heart. This one comes from my patients. Thank you to the family of Colleen Anderson for making this award possible and for recognizing individuals involved in ovarian cancer care.”
Lighting the Way
Offering Meaningful Support and Connection
for Survivors and Families
No one should face ovarian cancer alone. MOCA is here for everyone impacted by this disease—from survivors and their loved ones to caregivers and friends.
MOCA provides a variety of in-person and virtual support groups, gatherings and educational meetings. Our Mentor Program is available for one-on-one, peer-to-peer support.
With your support, MOCA’s programs are making a meaningful difference.
“MOCA is a helpline to those dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. MOCA is there to support, inform and cheer on survivors to live their best lives.”
— Ovarian Cancer Survivor
“MOCA is my most valuable resource on this crazy cancer journey… I have great support from loved ones, but the practical support of others experiencing the same journey is invaluable”
— Ovarian Cancer Survivor
MOCA Support Groups
MOCA reintroduced our in-person MOCA Connections group and maintained our bi-monthly virtual support groups in 2023. These opportunities allowed greater flexibility for women and families looking for support.
MOCA’s Young Survivor Network
Our Young Survivor Network (YSN) is designed to meet the needs of survivors diagnosed with gynecologic cancer before menopause. The YSN held a watercolor painting event and a get-together at a local brewery. A private Facebook page allowed survivors another way to connect and share throughout the year.
MOCA Walking Groups
Survivors, loved ones and caregivers of all ages and abilities gathered to walk, connect and find support while staying active. MOCA expanded this program in 2023 and hosted both indoor and outdoor Walking Groups, depending on the season.
Men of MOCA
The Men of MOCA group connects husbands, brothers, fathers, sons and partners impacted by an ovarian cancer diagnosis. In 2023, this group offered peer-to-peer support to men in our community.
MOCA Living Well Meetings and Workshops
MOCA’s Living Well meetings and workshops educate survivors, loved ones and caregivers on topics relevant to their journeys with ovarian cancer. MOCA offered two unique experiences to help survivors set intentions with vision boards and to learn about the healing benefits of nature.
MOCA Education Summit
MOCA hosted an Education Summit following our annual Awards Celebration on November 4, 2023. Guest speakers shared information on the latest ovarian cancer treatments, clinical trials, navigating the stages of survivorship and naturopathic integrative approaches to care.
MOCA Cares Kits
In 2023, MOCA provided 71 MOCA Cares Kits to recently diagnosed ovarian cancer survivors and those experiencing a recurrence. MOCA Cares Kits are offered to those dealing with ovarian cancer who live in Minnesota or receive their care here. Cares Kit items include a mug, tea, soft socks, journal, pen, blanket (when available), a small gift card for coffee and mug for caregivers—and more.
MOCA Dream Awards
Our Dream Awards are made possible by funding designated for this program by generous donors. Dream Awards help survivors live their lives to the fullest and achieve their dreams. MOCA provided a total of $30,000 in Dream Awards to 7 survivors. The Jenna Simon Memorial Dream Award provided $5,000 to one family to experience a special place or event together.
$30K
MOCA provided a total of $30,000 in Dream Awards to 7 survivors.
“I’m just thankful to have this opportunity to spend time with my husband. This MOCA Dream Award is going to give us a chance at a dream vacation that we never thought was possible.”
— 2023 MOCA Dream Award Recipient
Lighting the Way
Sharing Our Light and Building Community
We are a community. Our annual events bring our survivors, families and supporters together to make meaningful connections and fundraise to change the future of ovarian cancer.
MOCA 2023 Events
Watch the video
Black, White & Teal Gala
This entertaining and inspiring event, held at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, included a cocktail reception, music, dinner, silent and live auctions, games, a program and more. Guests raised more than $102,000 to benefit MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and programs.
$102K
RAISED
$257K
RAISED
HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer
MOCA’s annual walk and run is our largest annual community event and fundraiser. More than 1,700 people from across the Midwest gathered at Rosland Park in Edina to walk, run and inspire our survivors. HOM Teal Strides for Ovarian Cancer raised almost $257,000 for ovarian cancer research and programs.
Light Duluth Teal Gala
MOCA supporters celebrated the 10th Anniversary of our annual Light Duluth Teal Gala, with a special evening of hope and inspiration. Ten landmarks in the Northland lit up in teal to mark this occasion and raise awareness of ovarian cancer. The Light Duluth Teal Gala raised close to $73,000 to support MOCA.
$73K
RAISED
Give to the Max
Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s annual statewide day of giving. Longtime MOCA supporters Bob and Pam MacDonald provided a $20,000 gift to match MOCA’s Give to the Max donations. Together, we raised more than $34,000 for ovarian cancer research.
$34K
RAISED
$6K
RAISED
Unleash the SHE for MOCA
Ovarian cancer survivors, families and supporters gathered in Rochester for the annual Unleash the SHE 5K/10K. The event is hosted by Grey Dog events to support MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and programs. Unleash the SHE raised more than $6,000 for MOCA.
Shop for a Cause
HOM Furniture’s annual Shop for a Cause event raises awareness of ovarian cancer and contributes funds to MOCA. Shoppers donated $10 to MOCA and received a 10% discount off sales prices at HOM Furniture stores. In 2023, Shop for a Cause raised $30,000 for MOCA.
$30K
RAISED
Health Fairs and Awareness Initiatives
From health fairs and parades to community gatherings, MOCA raises awareness at events throughout Minnesota. MOCA staff members and 17 volunteers participated in 15 different awareness efforts during the year. We shared symptom cards and MOCA brochures, along with MOCA event and support group information.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
MOCA reaches out to the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and underserved populations throughout Minnesota. In 2023, MOCA raised ovarian cancer awareness at Twin Cities PRIDE. During this event, volunteers shared inclusive awareness materials with the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the year, MOCA volunteers participated in two events in underserved communities and provided symptom cards in several languages including Somali, Hmong, Spanish and Vietnamese.
MOCA worked with the Indian Health Board to share our ovarian cancer materials at two Women’s Day events in 2023. Through MOCA’s partner organizations, we provided symptom cards at 19 additional screenings and community events.
Tie It Teal with the Twins
MOCA partnered with the Minnesota Twins for our annual Tie It Teal with the Twins Day at Target Field. The Twins recognized MOCA survivors and supporters during pre-game festivities and shared our message with thousands of fans in a video played on the big screens. TV interviews aired throughout the Midwest, highlighting our organization.
MOCA Lights the Night
In 2023, 30 landmarks throughout Minnesota and beyond lit up in teal during the month of September. Ten of the 30 landmarks lit up in Duluth for the 10th Anniversary of the Light Duluth Teal Gala. MOCA’s Light the Night campaign aims to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and bring hope to our community.
MOCA Trees of Hope
HOM Furniture and WDIO-TV in Duluth recognized MOCA during their annual Trees of Hope campaign during the holiday season. During Trees of Hope, HOM Furniture and WDIO-TV hosted a phone bank to benefit MOCA and raised more than $2,800 for our mission. WDIO-TV also shared several stories about MOCA’s research and programs during this campaign.
MOCA in the Media
MOCA partners with the media to highlight important stories about ovarian cancer and raise awareness of the disease. More than 28 stories featuring MOCA appeared in digital, print and TV media throughout the year. Our advertising partners shared TV commercials and billboards featuring MOCA to spread awareness about our cause.
Did you know? Charity Navigator, a prestigious charity watchdog group, gave MOCA a 4-star rating and an exceptional 99/100 ranking!
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
2023 Revenue
2023 Expenses
Board Members
Carol Pederson
Kristine Greer
Patty Bartholomew
Megan Flynn
Mary Adamski
Larry Anderson
Melissa Cook
Becky Drexler
Corinne Florin
Megan Buron Gavin
Kate Hunt
Carolyn Jahr
Judy Kessel
Nancy Libbey
Mark Urista
John Wetzel
Joe Cade
Susan Kushner
Staff Members
Kathleen Gavin
Stefanie Gliniany
Jody Ambroz McArdle
Kate Rodriguez
Maisie Rossi
Catherine Uedelhofen
Stephanie Vang
Becky West
