On Friday, May 19, 52-year-old Mary Johnson successfully completed a solo 12-hour marathon swim at the Rochester Area Family YMCA. She committed herself to this endeavor to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and raise funds to support the programs of Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). Pledges and donations totaled more than $10,000.

Most days, after working as a chaplain at Mayo Clinic in the gynecology department, Ms. Johnson heads to the pool. She started distance swimming seven years ago and finds it to be a great stress reliever. The quietness of the sport gives her the opportunity to reflect on her day and pray for women who are in the hospital. “I came up with the idea of doing a marathon swim as a way to show support for women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and for their families and friends who love them,” explained Ms. Johnson.

“We are so pleased that Mary undertook this marathon swim,” said Kathleen Gavin, MOCA’s executive director. “We greatly appreciate her effort to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in southern Minnesota. Together, we will work to better educate the public about the symptoms of the disease and the importance of early detection.”

The Rochester Area Family YMCA, located at 709 First Avenue SW, donated a lane of the pool for Ms. Johnson to use for the duration of her swim.

Donations received from Ms. Johnson’s marathon swim will be dedicated to MOCA’s mission of funding ovarian cancer research, raising awareness of the disease and providing support for women with ovarian cancer and their families. In the past six years, MOCA has awarded more than $1.3 million for research in Minnesota.

Thanks to the Northern Lights League, MOCA will receive 15% from the proceeds of plant sales purchased at six different Linder’s Flower Marts during the month of May.

All you need to do is tell the cashier at the check-out counter that you will to participate in this fundraiser for MOCA.

The Linder’s locations are:
· Richfield Floral and Garden
817 East 66th Street, Richfield
· Hoigaards
3550 Highway 100, St. Louis Park
· Rosedale Mall
County Rd B2 & Fairview Ave N, Roseville
· Rainbow Foods
441 West Highway 96, Shoreview
· Kowalski’s
4391 Lake Avenue South, White Bear Lake
· Linder’s Garden Center
270 West Larpenteur, St. Paul

If you’re a gardener, or perhaps planning to purchase flowers for Mother’s Day, we encourage you to visit one of the locations listed above. You’re sure to be happy with your purchase and you’ll be helping MOCA!