In an effort to better serve our members, we have started a MOCA chapter in SE Minnesota and a support group for ovarian cancer survivors living in the Rochester area. For more information, contact Jean Wagner at 507-288-2228 or email wagner.jean@mayo.edu. You may also email Sarah Keller at sarahpaul@deskmedia.com.

In January, we held a training session in Rochester for ovarian cancer survivors who want to share their stories as part of MOCA's educational programs. The Grand Rounds program pairs a gynecologic oncologist with a survivor to deliver prepared talks to primary care physicians. Survivors’ Training Medical Students literally puts a face on the disease by having survivors speak to third and fourth year medical students about their diagnosis and treatment. If you would like to attend a future training for one or both of these medical education programs, please contact Kathy McGovern at kmcgovern@mnovarian.org or call MOCA at 612/822-0500.

In addition to the support group and educational trainings, we intend 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.

The first SE MN event took place on May 19, 2006 at the Rochester YMCA where Chaplain Mary Johnson of the Mayo Clinic successfully completed a solo 12-hour marathon swim. This fundraiser for MOCA raised more than $10,000 from pledges and donations. For more information about Mary’s Marathon Swim, click here.