Welcome to the SE Minnesota MOCA Chapter.

Southeastern MN Survivor Support Group

We offer a support group for ovarian cancer survivors in the Rochester area. Support group meetings are held at 5:30pm at Zumbro Lutheran Church, located at 624 3rd Ave. in Rochester. Check the calendar at-a-glance for upcoming support group dates. For more information, contact Dolores "Jeff" Nordquist at jeffnptenor19@gmail.com or Jean Wagner at 507-288-2228 or wagner.jean@mayo.edu.

Education and Outreach
In addition to the support group, we offer educational trainings and general outreach to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in southeastern Minnesota and work together to advance research for earlier detection methods, better treatment options and a cure. In this effort, MOCA recently exhibited at the Marching Toward Cancer Prevention conference in March 2008. We met many new survivors, people affected by ovarian cancer, and those who wanted to learn more about the disease and the early warning signs.

The Southeast Minnesota Chapter of MOCA recently held the 3rd Annual Silent No More Marathon Swim to benefit the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. The 2009 event was held on Saturday, March 14th at the Rochester Area Family Y (RAFY). The 2009 numbers are still coming in, but the 2008 event involved nearly 100 volunteers and raised almost $12,000 for ovarian cancer research.

For 12 straight hours Mary E. Johnson, the gynecologic oncology chaplain at the Mayo Clinic, swam, taking brief breaks for nutrition and hydration. She was joined throughout the day by numerous other swimmers who were joining the effort for a few minutes to a few hours. Johnson swam in two previous marathons in addition to this year’s event. “The swim is really a media event to draw attention to ovarian cancer. It is also a great example of teamwork as people from all corners of the community come together for the cause.” Well done, Mary!

Upcoming Events
We will be having our next meeting Saturday Feb. 20th at 9:00 AM at the home of Diane Closson - 1252 19th AV NE in Rochester. We will be carpooling from Silver Lake Shopping Center at 8:50 AM. (Look for a car with a teal scarf on the antenna). Parking is limited so carpooling is requested. For further information call 'jeff' at 507-327-9919.